Responding to the Migration Crisis in LatAm: AID FOR AIDS’ Efforts in HIV Care Along the Migratory Route
Venezuela’s crisis has sparked the largest population displacement in Latin America, with nearly 8 million Venezuelans fleeing the country. The journey through the Darien Gap, between Colombia and Panama, stands as one of the most dangerous migratory routes globally, subjecting migrants to risks such as physical and sexual violence, family separation, assault, robbery, and even death. These circumstances give rise to severe public health challenges and obstruct access to vital care for individuals with HIV.
In February, Jesus Aguais, president of AID FOR AIDS, visited the temporary immigration reception stations—Lajas Blancas and San Vicente—on Panama’s side of the Darien Jungle, where AFA is implementing a project funded by CDC/ICAP to promote HIV prevention, testing, care, treatment services, and provide PrEP for migrants.
Since 2021, AFA has been collaborating closely with CDC/ICAP to address the needs of Venezuelans with HIV throughout the region, in response to the migration crisis, operating from our offices in Colombia, Peru, and Panama. To date, AID FOR AIDS has assisted over 30,000 individuals. These efforts are expected to expand to countries such as Ecuador and Guatemala.
