Estimating the size of populations at risk for HIV: issues and methods. A joint UNAIDS / IMPACT / FHI workshop: report and conclusions. Updated.

An earlier version of the document was circulated and used in a number of countries generating debate commentary and experimentation. This updated version of the document includes material that has surfaced since the original workshop was held. It covers the major methods available for population size estimation with their strengths and weaknesses and gives examples. It explores how best to choose the right method for a given country situation and sub-population. The document also provides modified copies of the exercises used during the Asian workshop. It is not intended as a comprehensive guide to population size estimation: more thorough tool kits will be needed and for some sub-populations may already be available. Many countries have already begun the work of developing estimates of the size of populations with specific risk behaviours. The information in this document is intended to encourage that work and to provide enough information to stimulate countries to broaden their experimentation with population size estimation. (excerpt)