AJPH Supplement highlights how community-driven HIV prevention and care impacts health outcomes in Latino communities

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Contact: Media Relations

Addressing HIV and AIDS must include approaches that reflect the lived experiences of those who are often overlooked. Latinos account for nearly one-third of new HIV diagnoses. A change in perspective on HIV prevention and care is key to improving health outcomes in Latino communities. A new supplement from the American Journal of Public Health examines how community-driven approaches address barriers that Latinos encounter.  In “HIV Prevention, Care Continuum, and Health Outcomes Among Hispanic People in the US and Puerto Rico” the authors unpack strategies that center on lived realities and how representation in research leads to better health.

There are intersecting factors that get in the way of taking preventative measures and gaining access to appropriate health care, making it difficult to prioritize one’s health. Authors Julian Santaella-Tenorio, PhD, Mariano Kanamori, PhD, MA and Edda Rodriguez, PhD, MPH say community-centered strategies are essential to HIV prevention and improving care. Examples include lessons learned from social networking approaches where the lived experiences of members of the Latino community are part of the education process that allows trusted voices to reach individuals who may not seek services. Another demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts amongst families, peers and local organizations that contribute to the success of programs and services, strengthening the health of the community.

Lastly, the supplement points to the need to expand the public health workforce through training and mentorship of the next generation of Latino researchers and clinicians to continue working towards the goals that align with the four pillars of the U.S. Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Initiative: diagnose, treat, prevent and respond.

You can read the supplement and its findings here.

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This AJPH supplement is sponsored by the Center for Latino Health Research Opportunities (CLaRO), which has received support from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) of the National Institutes of Health under award U54MD002266.

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The American Public Health Association champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.