On October 15, a light will be shone on the disproportionate amount of people from the Latino community who are affected by HIV and AIDS on National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day. The day serves as a critical reminder that the fight against HIV and AIDS is not yet over, especially for this particular group.
In 2022, Latinos accounted for one-third of all new HIV infections, nearly double the national rate. Although HIV is not considered the death sentence that it once was, it remains a significant concern for vulnerable communities.
“Some people might think that since HIV/AIDS has received less media coverage and the red ribbons that were so common in the 1990s are now rarely seen, the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS are no longer pressing,” says Lisa Barr, Executive Director of the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, Inc. (Hope & Help).
As we dive into why HIV and AIDS may be affecting minority communities more, we also take a look at what is being done to reach marginalized groups and provide them with the education and care they need. A complex mix of social, economic, and structural factors are at play in the heightened numbers of HIV and AIDS cases in the Latinx community.
An uneven impact
Social and structural issues continue to be one of the primary factors in why HIV and AIDS affect minority communities more. Discrimination and racism can keep people from accessing care or reliable information about protecting themselves and their partners. Additionally, the poverty rate among cities with large Latino populations is high in the United States, and access to quality testing and care can be sparse.
Many in the Latinx population live in what Lisa Barr refers to as “PrEP Deserts” — areas where the very effective pre-exposure prophylactic is not readily available. “PrEP has been considered by many to be the next best thing to an HIV vaccine,” Barr explains.
There is also a level of mistrust of healthcare providers in the Latinx community. Perceptions of discrimination, distrust of the medical process, and language barriers can lead to a lack of testing and proper diagnosis of HIV and AIDS, in addition to a lack of follow-up care.
Unique cultural constructs within the Latinx community can also contribute to higher levels of HIV and AIDS cases, causing some to avoid testing or seeking care when they become ill because of cultural norms of masculinity in the Latin community. A stigma still exists around homosexuality, and fear of HIV and AIDS is still deeply rooted in homophobia. In addition, those who are undocumented immigrants may fear exposure if they were to seek help for a possible HIV infection.
A strong stigma is still attached to HIV and AIDS, so much so that many may be too afraid to seek help or take steps to protect their partners. Societal beliefs, religious backgrounds, and cultural differences can lead to stigmatization.
“We’ve seen first-hand how damaging pervasive stigmas can be,” says Barr. Because the increase in HIV and AIDS cases in the Latinx community could be considered a public health crisis, groups such as Barr’s Hope & Help must be supported in their mission to educate the public. “Efforts to combat stigma are gaining momentum through public education initiatives, leveraging the reach of social media platforms, and sharing personal stories of individuals living with HIV or AIDS are all contributing to a shift in perceptions,” Barr adds.
Education for a better tomorrow
To combat the stark disparities that exist for the Latinx community, groups like Barr’s Hope & Help have developed robust education and information campaigns along with Hispanic staff to reach into their communities. Informing the community on the use of PrEP has been a game changer in many ways.
“The availability and proper use of PrEP means that many of those living without HIV can do so without the worry that may acquire the virus from others,” Barr says. “This has led to a significant mindset shift for many of the communities that were most at risk of acquiring HIV or AIDS.”
Other services, such as free HIV & STD testing, free condoms, and access to culturally competent medical care, have allowed many in the Latinx community to access services without stigma and worry.
Understanding the complex factors that contribute to higher levels of HIV and AIDS in the Latinx community is also crucial. Those working to bring better protective measures, testing, and care to the community must be educated on why this particular group is at higher risk.
By raising awareness within the community, offering broader access to HIV testing and preventative measures such as PrEP, and working to reduce the stigma that still surrounds HIV and AIDS, we can anticipate a future where the level of infections within the Latinx community is far lower.
