Homophobia
undermines Mexico’s HIV prevention efforts

Homophobia is such a widespread problem in Mexico and interferes so strongly with HIV prevention efforts in the country that health officials have launched campaigns to teach Mexicans about homosexuality, the online news agency Dominican Today reports. "Fighting homophobia is one of the best ways to fight HIV," Jorge Saavedra, of Mexico's National Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS, told Dominican Today.

The center, funded by the Mexican government, has launched radio campaigns to fight both homophobia and machismo, which health officials say puts women at a high risk of HIV infection. AIDS stigma runs high in the country: A recent survey showed that 57% of respondents would not want to live in the same house with someone who is HIV-positive. The same survey showed that 66% would not want to live in a house with someone who is gay. (Advocate.com)