It is critical to collect evidence in countries where the environment for MSM and people living with HIV is more inhospitable, to evaluate the effect of stigma on public health and determine mechanisms to fight it. Threat of arrest, conviction or even stigma alone may convince MSM to hide. This means that, even though they may be most at risk of HIV infection, they will not seek health services that would help them to deal with HIV, including information, education, testing, counselling, treatment and support.