World AIDS Day: HIV in the Americas

Young people on a Plan-supported march against HIV and AIDS discrimination in Honduras

30 November 2007: Plan throws a spotlight on Latin America for World AIDS Day, 1 December - a region where HIV is a silent, invisible epidemic that threatens millions of children.

Unlike other regions, Latin America has not owned up to the increasing number of people affected by HIV.

An estimated 100,000 people became infected with HIV this year – bringing the total number of people living with HIV in Latin America to 1,600,000.  

Extreme gender inequalities

The absence of adequate information, appropriate health and counselling services combine with a region characterised by extreme gender inequalities, machismo culture, high rates of violence, exclusion, and social and cultural beliefs and practices that define different experiences of sexuality for boys and girls. 

Many young people simply cannot exercise their rights to say no or access quality services and information. As a result, HIV infection increases and spreads to other vulnerable groups such as women and young girls.

Fighting infection

Health promoter Wincy, 17, speaks out on HIV in Nicaragua

Plan works on many levels to fight the spread of infection and support those living with HIV – from providing access to information and services to bringing the issue out into the open and promoting dialogue.

Plan recently launched the ‘You, Your Life, Your Dreams’ handbook in the Americas, which uses plain language to help young people learn about their rights, sexuality and health.

The handbook, produced in collaboration with Family Care International, was reviewed by Plan-supported youth groups across the region to ensure its relevance to Latin American youth.

For Wincy, 17, a young promoter of health in Nicaragua, this HIV prevention work is crucial: “Young people have the right to decide, to enjoy our adolescence. We have the right to decide and to prevent premature maturity; the reinforcement of machismo and premature paternity plunges us into poverty." 

Download Plan's 'You, Your Life, Your Dreams' handbook, youth sexuality kit and other publications from the region.

Learn about Plan’s global work on HIV and AIDS.