Reflecting on Progress and Urgency

World AIDS Day serves as a vital platform to assess both the achievements and ongoing challenges in the fight against HIV. Since 2010, the region has seen a significant drop in AIDS-related deaths—28% in Latin America and an impressive 57% in the Caribbean. However, new HIV infections tell a different story. Latin America has witnessed a worrying 9% increase, culminating in approximately 120,000 new cases in 2023. In contrast, the Caribbean reported a 22% decrease, leading to 15,000 new infections.

Jarbas Barbosa, the Director of PAHO, highlighted the urgent need for stronger prevention strategies. "The rise in new infections in Latin America, especially among specific groups such as men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and sex workers, shows we cannot let our guard down," he stated.

Expanding Access to PrEP

The "Better with PrEP" initiative aims to enhance the awareness and uptake of PrEP, a highly effective medication that significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV when taken consistently. Despite its potential, the adoption of PrEP remains limited. Currently, 24 out of 33 countries in the region have recognized PrEP as a public health policy, benefiting over 160,000 individuals while striving to reach a goal of 2.3 million users.

Dr. Barbosa called for collective action, urging all countries in the region to implement inclusive and widespread PrEP policies. "The elimination of HIV is possible, but only if we act with courage and commitment," he said.

Leveraging Technology for Outreach

To bolster efforts, PAHO is joining forces with the popular LGBTQI+ social network Grindr. This partnership will facilitate the distribution of critical information about PrEP and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to millions of users throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, targeting those at the highest risk.

Eye-Catching Campaign Design

The visual strategy behind the "Better with PrEP" campaign is as dynamic as its mission. Inspired by vibrant 90s pop culture, the campaign features graffiti art, retro cassette tapes, and vintage textures, designed to resonate with the communities most impacted by HIV. Engaging animations and educational content on PrEP, HIV, syphilis, and mpox will be prominently shared on social media platforms.

The core aim is to combat stigma and promote PrEP as a practical solution for HIV prevention, complementing traditional methods like condom use and regular testing.

A Call to Action: Ending HIV by 2030

World AIDS Day serves as a poignant reminder of the journey ahead to eradicate HIV in the region. PAHO remains steadfast in its commitment to universal health access and comprehensive prevention strategies, including PrEP, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), condom distribution, and regular testing.

"HIV is still a significant public health issue in our region, but we can alter the epidemic's trajectory by integrating prevention into primary health care," stated Sylvain Aldighieri, Director of the Department of Prevention, Control and Elimination of Transmissible Diseases at PAHO. "Equitable access to PrEP is crucial, especially for those at the highest risk."

As part of its Elimination Initiative, PAHO aims to eliminate HIV/AIDS and over 30 other communicable diseases by 2030, reinforcing the belief that with concerted effort and dedication, a healthier future is within reach.