OCTOBER 2007 � This report presents findings from the first HIV Behavioral and Biological Surveillance Study (Bio-BSS) conducted in Kosovo between February and July 2006. Data collection for this survey took place among the following populations identified in the Kosovar Strategy for HIV/AIDS Prevention (2004-2008): injecting drug users (IDU), commercial sex workers (CSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM). Study sites were located in three municipalities of Kosovo: Prishtin�/Pristina, Prizren/Prizren and Ferizaj/ Urosevac.

The specific objectives of the Bio-BSS in Kosovo were to:

• Conduct a behavioral and biological surveillance that will provide baseline prevalence data and behavioral data for populations at increased risk of exposure to HIV that may influence the HIV epidemic in Kosovo;
• Create human capacity needed to establish and maintain the above mentioned surveillance system;
• Provide information to help guide program planning;
• obtain data in a standardized format that will enable comparison with other behavioral surveillance studies carried out in Kosovo as well as other countries; and
• Collect biological data including HIV tests and specific STI data such as Syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomonas Vaginalis, and Hepatitis B and C from the target populations.

This report presents analyzed data from the Kosovo Bio-BSS, firstly by introducing a local, regional and worldwide context of Bio-BSS projects and by presenting a background of HIV/AIDS and STIs in Kosovo. Secondly, data is presented for each target group on the following topics: background characteristics, alcohol and drug use, sexual behavior and condom use, knowledge, opinions and attitudes on HIV/AIDS and STIs, stigma and discrimination, biological data, as well as other relevant issues specific to each of the target groups in the study. Thirdly, the report provides recommendations for decision-makers and program planners for future HIV prevention and care programs.