Assessment of Resources for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in Cayo and Stann Creek
Location: Belize
Alumni: Philisha Mesidor
Faculty: Heidi Beidinger
UNAIDS launched a global campaign, 90:90:90, which aims to ensure that by 2030: 90% of the people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90% of those diagnosed with HIV will receive sustained ART, and 90% of those on ART will have durable viral suppression. Belize is striving towards completing this goal and contributing to international efforts for eliminating HIV globally. In order to successfully reach 90% of the population receiving sustained ART, barriers to care that decrease retention rates must be addressed. To combat barriers to care for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), resources must serve to eliminate the obstacles negatively affecting adherence to treatment. This study aimed to (a) assess treatment and care resources in Cayo and Stann Creek districts and (b) pose questions to key informants to gain deeper understanding of HIV services and patient utilization. The study focused in Belmopan, San Ignacio, and Dangriga to produce an HIV services inventory for the Cayo and Stann Creek districts. The final product of this study included a report based on the data produced, a patient-friendly brochure in English listing resources available, and an infographic summarizing the findings of this study.