Are we forgetting Latin America?

By Mohammad Shakir

When we think of HIV, our thoughts immediately go to the effect of the virus on the African continent. Latin America has often been overlooked even though HIV is prevalent in the region.

While we have seen dramatic improvements in HIV prevention in Africa, Latin American has seen transmission rates rise during the past decade. 

Latest figures from UNAIDS reports that the number of people living with HIV in the region went up from 1.1 million to 1.4 million, between 2001 and 2009. In addition, there is another 200,000 people living with HIV in the Caribbean. 

Different problems affect many countries in Latin America and their response to HIV. Political instability, migration between countries in the region and a lack of resources are all major issues in the prevention of HIV.

Myths about HIV are also prevalent and a requirement of awareness and education are sorely required so that the populous in the entire region can work together to debunk these myths so that the correct information about HIV/AIDS can be disseminated and crucial work in preventing HIV can work in earnest.