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PrEP for Latin America
New Frontiers in PrEP and the Urgent Need for Latin America

Released: August 06, 2025

Claudia P. Cortes
Claudia P. Cortes, MD
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Key Takeaways
  • Latin America faces a rising HIV epidemic despite global progress towards preventing new HIV infections.
  • The WHO’s endorsement of lenacapavir and innovations in pre-exposure prophylaxis modalities presented at IAS 2025, like a once-monthly pill, offer hope for advancement of HIV prevention.
  • In the face of funding cuts, there is an urgent need for domestic resource mobilization, including regional pooled mechanisms for acquiring funds for HIV programs.

The recent International AIDS Society (IAS) conference on HIV Science held in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together more than 3000 global health leaders, researchers, and civil society advocates with a significant representation from Latin America, not only as attendees but also as speakers, moderators, and oral abstract and poster presenters. 

One of the most impactful themes was the advancement of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This topic carries direct implications for Latin America, one of only a few regions still facing a persistent rise in HIV infections. 

Alleviating the Burden Through Prevention
According to new data released by the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Latin America is 1 of the only 3 regions in the world where new HIV infections are increasing. Between 2010 and 2024, the region saw a 13% rise in new cases, largely driven by transmission among key populations, including men who have sex with men, transgender women, and sex workers. In 2024 alone, the UNAIDS reported an estimated 120,000 new infections in the past year, marking a significant setback in prevention efforts and underscoring the urgent need for an innovative and targeted response.

Today, more than 2.5 million people live with HIV in Latin America and an estimated 30,000 people died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2024. These trends highlight a regional reversal in global HIV progress, occurring just as biomedical prevention tools are becoming more effective and available.

The IAS conference delivered on that need with presentations that showcased new PrEP modalities. First, the WHO announced its full endorsement of lenacapavir as a twice-yearly injectable PrEP option in its new guidelines launched at the conference. Although the feasibility of real-world implementation remains to be seen, I think this new long-acting PrEP option could play a huge role in reducing HIV transmission among key populations in Latin America. By reducing dosage to just 2 injections per year, lenacapavir could eliminate much of the stigma of daily oral PrEP and relieve the burden of daily adherence to a pill.

Furthermore, a new once-monthly oral PrEP pill, MK-8527, is entering phase III trials after demonstrating good tolerability and consistent drug levels in phase II trials. This could be a game-changer in settings where injectable PrEP is unavailable or undesired, especially if it is priced accessibly for people in low- and middle-income countries once it is approved. 

The Future of HIV Funding in Latin America and the Caribbean
Another issue that was widely addressed during the conference was the US funding cuts. Crucially for Latin America and the Caribbean, a survey of 40 community-based HIV organizations found that 87% had US funding suspended, affecting HIV prevention efforts, PrEP access and ancillary support systems. 

From a Latin American perspective, IAS 2025 offered both hope and a wake-up call. PrEP and all of its innovations offer tremendous potential, but only if access to it can be guaranteed for all. There was a palpable sense of urgency surrounding discussions about the need for domestic resource mobilization, including regional pooled mechanisms for acquiring PrEP. Many experts at IAS emphasized the need for strategic partnerships, policy reforms, regional procurement mechanisms with pricing strategies, and community-led services models. Ultimately, equitable access to new interventions must be prioritized to ensure that innovations do not remain exclusive to high-income countries.

To me, IAS 2025 showcased significant advances and innovations in HIV prevention, but Latin America stands at a crossroads. With rising infections and shrinking resources, the region must act decisively to ensure that the promise of PrEP becomes a reality. As the UNAIDS warns, the global response cannot afford to overlook regions where epidemic is growing. Latin America needs urgent action—and global solidarity—to reverse its trajectory. 

Your Thoughts
What do you think are the most critical barriers to PrEP that must be addressed to ensure equitable access to HIV prevention tools? How can regional and global partnerships effectively support this effort? Leave a comment to join the discussion!

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