Resum
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is a region with similarities and important disparities. In
recent years LAC has witnessed achievements, with HIV prevalence rates relatively stable for LA
and decreasing for the Caribbean. However average values hide differences. General population
HIV prevalence in LAC is 0.4% in average. In the Caribbean there are fewer new HIV infections
but HIV prevalence among adults exceeds 1% in several countries. It is estimated that 31% of
adults living with HIV in LA and 52% of adults in the Caribbean are women. Unprotected sex is
the main route of HIV transmission in LAC. Men who have sex with men and transgender women
are the populations with the highest prevalence (10.6% and 17.7% respectively); however other
key populations such as female sex workers (4.9%), drug users (range 1%-49.7% for intravenous
drug users). Prisoners and indigenous populations are also important. LAC has the highest antiretroviral
treatment coverage of any low- and middle-income region in the world, but women and
children are less likely than men to receive treatment. There is an important pending agenda to
address the gaps in information, prevention and care for HIV in LAC.