Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #110524

Carrie Ellen Tatum, BA¹, Elvira Gomez, MPH¹, Marilyn Aguirre-Molina, EdD², Mark Padilla, PhD³, and Kimberly Neroda, MA¹. (1) The Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Ave #B2, New York, NY 10032, 212-300-7137, cet2106@columbia.edu, (2) The Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Avenue #B2, New York, NY 10032, (3) The Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Ave #B2, New York, NY 10032

Background: The relationships between HIV/AIDS, poverty, and inequality have been documented, with studies suggesting that they are multidirectional: HIV/AIDS contributes to poverty and inequalities on an individual level, and these structural factors increase individual and group vulnerability to HIV infection.

Existing research has primarily focused on “high prevalence” regions (Africa and Asia). Few studies have examined the interaction between HIV/AIDS, poverty and inequality in Latin America. Further, structural analyses have often failed to identify concrete recommendations to decrease HIV transmission.

In Colombia the national HIV prevalence is 0.4%. However, with underreporting estimated at 80%, little is known about the epidemic. High poverty levels, gender and racial inequality, and migration and displacement due to civil war may contribute to increased HIV infection vulnerability. Additionally, People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) likely face increased poverty and discrimination.

To better understand the structural conditions that contribute to risk among the most vulnerable populations, an analysis was undertaken of how poverty, inequality, and HIV/AIDS interact in Colombia. The analysis aimed to identify viable policy and programmatic interventions within the country.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted of epidemiologic sources, academic journals, and Colombian legal and policy documents. In addition, phone interviews were conducted with representatives from Colombian NGOs serving PLWHA, and other sectors. Analyses of these findings were used to inform the interface of structural factors and HIV/AIDS.

Results and Conclusions: Results and conclusions will be presented, including an analysis of the current HIV/AIDS epidemic in Colombia, and country-specific policy and programmatic recommendations.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) will be able to

• Describe the prevalence and incidence rates of HIV/AIDS amongst vulnerable populations in Colombia
• Discuss the multidirectional relationship between the HIV/AIDS epidemic, poverty, and inequalities
• Identify policy and programmatic recommendations to reduce HIV transmission in Colombia

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Latin American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.