Living with HIV/AIDS in Guatemala

Since 1984, when the first case of HIV/AIDS was identified in Guatemala, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS has risen to 67,000. Infection is highest in the 15-29 age group and affects more men than women.

Although the Guatemalan government is determined to combat HIV/AIDS, many people living with the disease face life-threatening discrimination on a daily basis. Frequently they are denied the right to healthcare, as well as medical confidentiality and privacy. Their communities and families often reject them and they cannot find work or a place to live. Children who are HIV-positive are often excluded from schools and playgrounds.

The project

Plan is addressing these issues through a project which raises awareness of the epidemic and promotes the rights of those affected. Unlike other programmes, which have focused on prevention and care in urban areas, Plan is working with people in rural communities, where awareness and knowledge of HIV/AIDS are at their lowest.

There are four essential areas of focus within the project:

Children at the primary school in Escuintla learning about HIV and AIDS

Training for children and adolescents
A key element of Plan¿s work is to support the training of teachers, health staff and community members. We are training Community Promoters to run awareness workshops in schools and informal groups. We focus on training young people who will in particular be able to reach those children and adolescents not in school.

Awareness raising for parents
Specially trained Community Promoters are involved in running awareness-raising sessions for parents,
allowing parents to can learn about the realities of living with HIV/AIDS.

Accessible information for the community
Many health centres and providers lack knowledge about HIV/AIDS and refuse to treat people with the virus. Plan will help train health staff to provide accurate advice and information on treatments and services available. We will also support the production of leaflets to be distributed through health centres and other community groups.

A Community Promoter conducting a survey aimed to map community perception of HIV and AIDS

Long-term change
The project aims to promote further government recognition of the needs and rights of those living with HIV/AIDS in Guatemala. Moreover, the project will place pressure on the government to back-up their pledges with actions.

How you can help

The children and young people of in Guatemala have the will to help themselves but need the means to make it happen. With your help, we can enable them to achieve a better future for themselves.

Please donate today by contacting us on 0300 777 9777 or at supportaproject@plan-international.org.uk

You can also donate online. Please follow the link on top of the page.