New York: IPPF WHR, 2017. 13 p.
Organizations: 
International Planned Parenthood Federation, IPPF, Western Hemisphere Region
Description: 
In recent years, Latin America and the Caribbean have seen progress in stemming the impact of HIV. Increased access to treatment, rapid testing technologies, coordinated prevention and education efforts, and the virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission have helped reduce the overall HIV prevalence rate. While encouraging, this figure masks serious, localized epidemics. While HIV prevalence is generally low, prevalence among key affected populations—such as men who have sex with men, transgender women, and sex workers—is particularly high. In 2014, men who have sex with men accounted for nearly a third of new HIV infections in the region, and HIV prevalence among transgender women is thought to be 49 times higher than the general population. The high rates of infection among these groups are largely due to rampant prejudice and violence, a lack of accurate information and education, and a lack of quality, non-discriminatory healthcare. To counter these inequities, in 2010 International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region (IPPF/WHR), and our local Member Associations (MAs) in the region partnered with Population Services International (PSI), the Pan American Social Marketing Organization (PASMO), Cicatelli Associates Inc., and Milk n’ Cookies to implement the USAID Combination Prevention Program for HIV in Central America and Mexico. The overall objective of the program is to support the USAID Regional Prevention Strategy, which focuses on providing cost effective, sustainable interventions designed to achieve increased access to HIV prevention interventions, including HIV testing and counseling, in key populations in the region. Other interventions include those designed to reduce stigma, discrimination and homophobia, as well as strategic information provision and evidence to support decision making.
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Record created by: 
IIEP