Dr. Derval Igoe:

Obviously, stigma could be a factor.

We recognised that it is very important to work in partnership with colleagues and workers within NGOs that actually work with the gbMSM community to make sure that there is good awareness of exactly what the disease is, how people can be helped and what the benefits of the vaccine are. Colleagues have been part of the response right form the very beginning, and are a key part of the response now in encouraging their peers to get vaccinated, and in knowing who should come forward now that this new phase has been announced. We recognise nationally that there is a risk of stigma. Indeed, it has also been recognised by the WHO and other colleagues internationally. It is most important that we work together to avoid that. We can avoid that by ensuring that the key population that is currently affected is fully part of the response, which I think it is, in fairness.