Latin America

Latin America had an estimated 100,000 new HIV infections in 2007, for a total of 1.6 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the region. Approximately 58,000 people died of AIDS in 2007. MSM account for at least 25% of HIV infections in Latin America.

Stigma and discrimination are important factors in the continued spread of HIV in the region. They have often impeded dialogue about MSM and hindered attempts to promote safer sexual relations. They can also negatively impact self-esteem and drive sexual behavior and vulnerable groups underground, complicating efforts to contact communities and educate them about risk behavior.

Unprotected sex among MSM contributes significantly to AIDS epidemics in many countries in Latin America, including Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and Peru.^1,1

Review of Country Progress Reports

Latin American countries reviewed: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela.

1. Country Reporting: How Many Countries Reported on MSM?

Country reporting of five UNGASS indicators relevant to MSM

Summary: Of the 20 countries reviewed, five (Belize, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela) did not report on any of the five indicators. Three countries (Argentina, Chile, and Suriname) reported on 1-3 indicators. Twelve countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Peru) reported on 4-5 indicators.

2. Seroprevalence: What percentage of MSM Are Living With HIV?

UNGASS Indicator: Percentage of MSM who are living with HIV

Summary: Seven countries (Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela) did not report on HIV seroprevalence among MSM. Of the countries that did, none reported prevalence of 5% or less. Seven countries (Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Suriname) reported seroprevalence among MSM of 6-10%. Two countries (Argentina and Guatemala) reported HIV seroprevalence of 11-15%. Four countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guyana) reported HIV seroprevalence among MSM of more than 15%.

3. Testing: What Percentage of MSM Have Taken an HIV Test in the Last Year?

UNGASS Indicator: Percentage of MSM who received an HIV test in the last 12 months and who know their result.

Summary: Seven of the countries in the region -- more than a third -- did not report on HIV testing among MSM (Argentina, Belize, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela). Two countries (Chile and Peru) have MSM testing rates below 40%. Five countries (Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico) have testing rates of 40-59%. Six countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Guyana, and Panama) have testing rates of 60% or higher.

4. Knowledge: What Percentage of MSM Know How to Prevent HIV?

UNGASS Indicator: Percentage of MSM who both correctly identify ways of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and who reject major misconceptions about HIV transmission

Summary: Half of the countries in the region (Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela) did not report on the level of understanding of HIV prevention among MSM. Three countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) reported that 0-39% of MSM demonstrate correct knowledge of HIV transmission. Two countries (Ecuador and Peru) reported rates between 40% and 59%, and only five (Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guyana, and Mexico) reported rates of more than 60%.

5. Behavior: What Percentage of MSM Used a Condom the Last Time They Had Sex?

UNGASS Indicator: Percentage of men reporting the use of a condom the last time they had anal sex with a male partner

Summary: Seven of the countries in the region (Argentina, Belize, Guyana, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela) did not report on condom use among MSM. Two countries (Chile and Ecuador) reported condom use rates among MSM of 0-39%. Three countries (Brazil, Honduras, and Peru) reported condom use rates of 40-59%. Three countries (Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Mexico) reported rates of 60-79%. Five countries (Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, and Suriname) reported condom use rates among MSM of 80% or higher.

6. Coverage: What Percentage of MSM Are Being Reached by HIV Prevention Programs?

UNGASS Indicator: Percentage of MSM reached with HIV prevention programs

Summary: One-half of the countries in Latin America (Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela) do not know how many MSM are being reached by HIV prevention programs. Three countries (Bolivia, Guyana, and Mexico) are reaching less than 20%, two countries (Costa Rica and Honduras) are reaching 20-39%, and another two (Ecuador and Peru) are reaching 40-59%. Three countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Panama) report reaching 60% or more MSM with HIV prevention programs.

References

1. Adapted from UNAIDS website. Available online at www.unaids.org/en/CountryResponses/Regions/LatinAmerica.asp.

2. Peru Ministry of Health: Peru 2007 UNGASS Country Progress Report (2008).

3. Interview with Pedro Goicochea, director of IMPACTA, April 25 2008.