HIV/AIDS has been a public health concern for Latin America due to a remaining prevalence of the disease.[1] In 2018 an estimated 2.2 million people had HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean, making the HIV prevalence rate approximately 0.4% in Latin America.[1]
Some demographic groups in Latin America have higher prevalence rates for HIV/ AIDS including men who have sex with men having a prevalence rate of 10.6%, and transgender women having one of the highest rates within the population with a prevalence rate of 17.7%.[2] Female sex workers and drug users also have higher prevalence for the disease than the general population (4.9% and 1%-49.7% respectively).[2]
One aspect that has contributed to the higher prevalence of HIV/AIDS in LGBT+ groups in Latin America is the concept of homophobia.[1] Homophobia in Latin America has historically affected HIV service provision through under reported data and less priority through government programs.[3]
Antiretroviral treatment coverage has been high, with AIDS related deaths decreasing between 2007 and 2017 by 12%, although the rate of new infections has not seen a large decrease.[1] The cost of antiretroviral medicines remain a barrier for some in Latin America, as well as country wide shortages of medicines and condoms.[4] In 2017 77% of Latin Americans with HIV were aware of their HIV status.[4]
The prevention of HIV/AIDS in Latin America among groups with a higher prevalence such as men who have sex with men and transgender women, has been aided with educational outreach, condom distribution, and LGBT+ friendly clinics.[5] Other main prevention methods include condom availability, education and outreach, HIV awareness, and mother-to-child transmission prevention.[1]
- ^ a b c d e "HIV and AIDS in Latin America the Caribbean regional overview". Avert. 2015-07-21. Retrieved 2019-11-17.
- ^ a b García, Patricia J; Bayer, Angela; Cárcamo, César P (June 2014). "The Changing Face of HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean". Current HIV/AIDS Reports. 11 (2): 146–157. doi:10.1007/s11904-014-0204-1. ISSN 1548-3568. PMC 4136548. PMID 24824881.
- ^ "Homophobia and HIV". Avert. 2015-07-20. Retrieved 2019-11-17.
- ^ a b "Miles to go—closing gaps, breaking barriers, righting injustices". www.unaids.org. Retrieved 2019-11-17.
- ^ Silva-Santisteban, Alfonso; Eng, Shirley; de la Iglesia, Gabriela; Falistocco, Carlos; Mazin, Rafael (2016-07-17). "HIV prevention among transgender women in Latin America: implementation, gaps and challenges". Journal of the International AIDS Society. 19 (3Suppl 2): 20799. doi:10.7448/IAS.19.3.20799. ISSN 1758-2652. PMC 4949309. PMID 27431470.