INTRODUCTION
The HIV pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean is fuelled by a range of social and economic inequalities exacerbated by high levels of stigma, discrimination of highly vulnerable groups, and persistent gender inequality and homophobia. Despite efforts to reduce the impact on HIV in the region, many of these factors have not been adequately addressed.
Over the past ten years, Red Cross and Red Crescent societies have scaled up their activities to prevent HIV and ameliorate its impact. Starting from the African continent – which remains the most affected by HIV and AIDS – Red Cross and Red Crescent societies have progressively joined the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' Global Alliance on HIV – launched in 2006 to expand community-based action on HIV prevention, care , treatment, support and reduction of stigma and discrimination. The pioneering work done in countries such as Zimbabwe has now been extended to other parts of the world, while adapting and responding to various regional differences.
Red Cross societies in the region are among organizations that are working even in remote areas of the continent to increase access to HIV prevention education, address inequality and mitigate the impact of HIV on individuals and communities.
While prevalence rates in Latin America and the Caribbean remain lower than in sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean has the highest prevalence of HIV in the world outside Africa. In Latin America, prevalence rates are high among the key vulnerable populations mentioned in this report. The pandemic affecting Latin America and the Caribbean is hard to address since those most at risk of HIV infection are additionally affected by stigma, discrimination and violence. Improved access to treatment and comprehensive prevention strategies including behaviour change information, education, communication and support can substantially reduce infection rates. Addressing vulnerability by advocating on behalf on the most vulnerable communities confronted with the threat of HIV, improving access to services and reducing stigma and discrimination are equally important.
This report highlights the growing contribution of Red Cross societies involved in the Global Alliance in Latin America and the Caribbean to preventing further infections, while also reducing stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV and other vulnerable populations particularly affected by HIV.
