MSM policy and PrEP/PEP

Blood donation eligibility policies for men who have sex with men (MSM) have evolved since they were found to be at increased (disproportionate to other population groups) risk of HIV infection. Starting with a permanent (lifetime) deferral, the policy has shifted to a temporary deferral with a trend of shortening the deferral period. In recent years, the screening method for determining the presence of such behavioural risk in blood donors has also changed from specific questions about sexual contact with MSM to universal questions for individual risk-based assessment regardless sex and sexual orientation of the donor.

In 2019 and 2021, the EBA EID Monitor Working group performed surveys on MSM policy and pre-and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) groups among its members. During these years countries shifted gradually to more relaxed the MSM rules or to a non-MSM specific individual risk assessment approach.

A new survey was sent to members of the EID Monitor Working group on March 30^th 2023 to follow up on the current donor selection strategies or expected changes concerning MSM, PrEP and PEP for HIV.

Till June 5^th 2023, 25 responses from 23 countries (including 3 non-European countries) were received. Three blood operators ARC, OneBlood and Impact Life from the US sent separate responses. Updates in policy received after the survey till Oct 16^th are included in the report.