HIV/AIDS in Honduras

Prevalence

Honduras is home to 17% of Central America’s population. Honduras is also where 60% of the region’s HIV infections are reported. HIV is spreading slowly but steadily in many populations, and infections occur in equal proportions among men and women.The highest rates of HIV infection occur in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Prevalence in some vulnerable populations is high.

Studies of HIV prevalence in Honduras cited by the United Nations Joint Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) include the following:
*A 2001 study showed a prevalence of greater than 8% in both men and women in the ethnic Garifuna population.
*Prevalence of 8 to 9% in female sex workers in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula was found in a 2001 study; and findings from a 2002 study showed a prevalence of 13% in female sex workers in San Pedro Sula.
*Studies in 2001 and 2002 showed prevalence of 16% in urban areas among men who have sex with men.
*A 1997 study found prevalence of 6.8% among military recruits.

AIDS is the leading cause of death among Honduran women of childbearing age and is the second-leading cause of hospitalization among both men and women. Sexually transmitted infections are common, and condom use in risky sexual encounters is sporadic and variable. [http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/aids/Countries/lac/honduras_05.pdf "Health Profile: Honduras"] . United States Agency for International Development (March 2005). Accessed September 7, 2008. PD-notice]

National response

National efforts to reduce the number of new HIV infections have been in place since the late 1980s. President Maduro has publicly committed himself to support the national response to HIV/AIDS, and HIV/AIDS is one of five health issues that receive priority government attention. A second national strategic plan for the 2002–2006 period is in place, but its focus and application have been stymied by a lack of national funds for its implementation. The national response to HIV/AIDS has been led by the Ministry of Health, with collaboration from other ministries and several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The ministry now provides antiretroviral treatment to more than 3,000 individuals with AIDS.

Honduras’s long-term plan is to prevent new infections and to provide services to those who are most at risk for HIV infection, including young people, sex workers, men who have sex with men, institutionalized persons, and the Garifuna ethnic group. Honduras has been promised more than $40 million from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and thus far has received $13.7 million to implement its long-term health goals, $7.98 million of which is specifically for HIV/AIDS. This grant, combined with bilateral assistance other countries, will allow Honduras to tackle the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the coming years.

References