 Honduras
COUNTRY OVERVIEW AND PROJECT BACKGROUND
Honduras has reported over 60% of Central America’s HIV cases, although it represents only 17% of the population (UNAIDS/PAHO/UNICEF/WHO, 2004). The epidemic has spread mainly by sexual transmission, with the number of new cases almost equally divided among men and women. The prevalence of HIV in Honduras was 1.8% among those older than age 15 by the end of 2003 and much higher among the Garifuna population. This community of African descent migrants, who live along the northern shore, have an estimated prevalence of 8.2% in men and 8.5% in women. The latest epidemiological information indicates that, as of November 2005, there are a total of 22,366 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in Honduras. Most PLHA are aged 20-39, suggesting that most were infected as youth engaging in unprotected sexual behavior. According to an urban survey of youth aged 15 - 24 conducted by HCP in April 2004, the median age at first sex was 17.3 for young men and 18.6 for young women. Condom use at first sex was low for males and females, 27.2% and 15.6% respectively. For the young people who reported having had sexual intercourse in the last 12 months, 32% of males and 7.9% of females stated they had always used a condom.
In relation to maternal and child health, the total fertility rate of Honduras has been decreasing; however, it continues to be high at 4.4% and even higher among rural women with low levels of education at 6.5%. Unmet demand for Family Planning (FP) among women aged 15 - 44 still persists. About half of rural women deliver at home and maternal mortality is high (108 per 100,000 women). The majority of maternal deaths occur during delivery and within the first 10 days post delivery, mainly due to hemorrhage. Child mortality is 34 per 1,000 children under 5 years old. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months among rural women is low due to the early introduction of other liquids and food. The main causes of death of children under 5 are diarrhea (39%) and acute respiratory infections (23%). Malnutrition among children ages 0 - 13 months is 29%.
ACTIVITIES
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National Communication Strategy for HIV/AIDS Prevention Strengthens Political Support
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Using EE to provide HIV/AIDS Prevention
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EE reaches Garifuna population by modeling positive health behaviors through radio dramas and community mobilization
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Building New Social Norms to Fight HIV/AIDS among Urban Youth
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Implementing BCC Interventions for Maternal and Child Health
STORIES FROM THE FIELD
Note about materials: Some of the materials and resources listed on each page are available in their full form, others are represented by image or citation only. For more information and resources, go to www.jhuccp.org
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