The emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s led to the rapid identification of unprotected sexual intercourse as a major route for HIV transmission. Indeed, HIV was initially identified in men who have sex with men (MSM), and globally, HIV transmission by MSM accounts for a significant avenue of HIV acquisition. Recent epidemiological studies have suggested that the proportion of newly acquired infections in MSM are underreported, particularly in low- and middle-income countries due to prevailing social attitudes and stigmas regarding this population. For HIV prevention to be successful, focused, evidence-based interventions must be introduced that are compatible with the behaviors of specific target populations, such as MSM. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), vaccines, and universal mandatory HIV testing followed by immediate highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART) represent noninvasive avenues that could be used to reduce HIV acquisition among sexually active people and in particular MSM. The objective of this symposium is to bridge epidemiology and basic science to promote the development of MSM-targeted prophylactic or therapeutic interventions that ultimately may lead to eradication of HIV transmission.