AEGiS-13IAC: Men who have sex with men and the HIV epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean.

13th International AIDS Conference


Durban, South Africa - July 9-July 14, 2000

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Men who have sex with men and the HIV epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Int Conf AIDS 2000 Jul 9-14; 13:(abstract no. ThOrD688)

Caceres CF, Chequer P
C.F. Caceres, Cayetano Heredia University, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martin de Porres, Lima 31, Peru, Tel.: +51 190 943 83, Fax: + 51 126 405 85, E-mail: ccaceres@upch.edu.pe

BACKGROUND: The magnitude and significance of the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), has not been carefully considered, and its policy implications in the region have not been assessed.

METHODS: Data from three sources were reviewed: (1) AIDS case reporting to PAHO/WHO/UNAIDS; (2) Seroprevalence data as registered in the AIDS surveillance database, U.S. Bureau of the Census, NCHS; (3) Data on specific studies provided by the National AIDS Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Brazil.

RESULTS: MSM are still the constituency accounting for the largest proportion of AIDS cases reported in the region (more than 40%), particularly in Mexico and the Andean Area. Significant interaction occurs between the MSM and IDU epidemics in Brazil and the Southern Cone. Information on seroprevalence and, particularly, seroincidence among MSM is limited. However, studies in Brazil (the country with best population-based data) suggest high urban HIV prevalences (9-11%), and yearly incidences (1.5-3%).

CONCLUSIONS: Limitations in the ascertainment of transmission routes underscore the need for second generation surveillance systems (i.e. incorporating monitoring of prevalence and incidence of infection, and of sexual behaviours) as well as broader studies on sexuality and psychosocial and community issues. The continuing severity of the HIV epidemic among MSM in LAC calls for renewed efforts to strengthen culturally tailored prevention programs with strong community participation, and to address social contexts that increase the vulnerability of this community in the region.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV Infections, Disease Outbreaks, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Prevalence, Coitus, Incidence, Caribbean Region, Latin America, Sex Behavior, HIV Seropositivity, Seroepidemiologic Studies, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Human, MaleKWDaegis,hivinfections,diseaseoutbreaks,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,prevalence,coitus,incidence,caribbeanregion,latinamerica,sexbehavior,hivseropositivity,seroepidemiologicstudies,unitedstates,mexico,brazil,human,male
000709
ThOrD688

Copyright © 2000 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.