Resumen

BACKGROUND: Once patients have received a positive diagnose for HIV the main challenges are to overcome personal and environmental barriers to remain adherent. The life expectancy of a person living with HIV increases significantly when they are in treatment and constant support. Support groups are an important tool to maintain linkage and adherence to treatment but the main barrier is having the time and space to conduct sessions periodically. Social networks are now an indispensable communication tool in any area of ''our life, allowing us to take advantage of immediate connectivity by reducing the time and distance gaps to communicate. WhatsApp offers ease, speed and versatility to be used from friendship to business purposes. DESCRIPTION: In 2018, the Pan-American Social Marketing Organization (PASMO), through the USAID-funded Combined Prevention program started a WhatsApp support group strategy. Segmented by age, interests and time elapsed since diagnosis, groups of 6 to 10 participants were structured, to share information, answer common questions and to meet once a week. It also includes comprehensive care staff moderators (doctors, psychologists, nutritionists), to generate more interest from the participants. LESSONS LEARNED: Promoted at integral care clinics, among users of the Program and in social networks through Facebook advertising, 22 groups of different profiles of men who have sex with men, women, newly diagnosed people, people with adherence problems and even participants from countries outside the region were created. On average, 16 sessions were held per group to cover the structured curricula of the program and also include their needs, doubts and objectives set by the group. Three of each four member groups successfully completed the process and established long-term support and communication links. CONCLUSIONS: The WhatsApp support group strategy has allowed HIV positive people to have holystic support from a simple, safe and accessible tool that contributes to adherence when carrying out specific interventions and strengthen support networks by eliminating the gaps related to time and distance. The next step is to use the Whatsapp strategy to contact HIV partners (index testing) for notification, referrals and HIV testings.