Noticias

Homophobia has prevented the Paraguayan state from implementing prevention campaigns targeting those most affected by the virus. As of this date, prevention campaigns targeting gay men have not been implemented by the state, nor have driven public policies that address discrimination, abuse and social exclusion of gay men and transgender women, hence heightening their vulnerability.

The official discourse continues to focus on women and children, which suggests the preference towards "politically correct" vulnerabilities, yielding to homophobic prejudices, rather than basing their policies and interventions in science and rationality. As in Latin America, the HIV epidemic in Paraguay, mostly affects males. However, all policies and campaigns undertaken so far have emphasized only pregnant women. The prevention, care and treatment services are not friendly to men and exert a high level of discrimination against gay and transgender people, the people most affected by the epidemic.

It is time to reduce to ZERO new HIV infections, reduce to ZERO babies born with HIV and to reduce to ZERO homophobia and discrimination. Today, 30 years after the emergence of HIV, we have the technology and knowledge that can make this possible. Only the political will is missing in order to provide the resources for such purposes.

Today more than ever, we need to promote further claim of full citizenship, full respect for human rights, a society to help us to keep everyone healthy and happy.

Today Paraguay needs more results and fewer promises. It is our authorities' responsibility to do so and ours to demand it.