Stop HIV/AIDS

The AIDS epidemic in the United States disproportionately affects Latinos, with Latinos accounting for a quarter of all newly-diagnosed cases of the disease. More troubling is the fact that less than half of all Latinos living with HIV have access to medicines that can keep them alive. In 1996, Hispanic Federation launched Latinos Unidos Contra El Sida (LUCES), an HIV/AIDS education and advocacy coalition that has been at the forefront of securing needed resources and policies to combat the disease. LUCES has also given birth to groundbreaking prevention initiatives such as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day and Latino HIV Testing Month. Today, LUCES continues its work to develop public policy, serve as an advocate for a Latino HIV/AIDS agenda, and provide culturally-competent HIV/AIDS education and care to Latinos. Learn more below.

What is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). That’s why Hispanic Federation and our partners are raising awareness about HIV treatment and prevention, and advocating for policies that solve health disparities affecting Latino communities.

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people in the U.S. living with HIV

HIV disproportionately affects Latinos

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of the new HIV diagnoses in the US were among Hispanic people

Get Tested Today

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of Latinos in the U.S. with HIV that do not know their status

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reduction of HIV exposure when taking PrEP.

Preventing the Transmission of HIV

The AIDS epidemic in the United States disproportionately affects Latinos, but together we can stop HIV/AIDS in its tracks. Learn more about the different ways you can stay healthy and take care of your loved ones, including by exploring prevention methods and medications such as PrEP and PEP.

Get Tested Today!

The first step to preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS is getting tested. Knowing your status can help you understand what steps you can take to prevent or manage HIV/AIDs.

PreEP

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a prevention method used by people who are HIV-negative and at high risk for being exposed to HIV through sexual contact or injection drug use. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing an infection.

PEP

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is the use of antiretroviral medication to prevent HIV infection in an HIV-negative person who has had a specific high-risk exposure to HIV. Exposure typically occurs through sex or sharing syringes (or other injection equipment) with someone who has or might have HIV. Exposure to HIV is a medical emergency. HIV establishes infection within 24 to 36 hours after exposure. Health care providers should evaluate persons rapidly for PEP when care is sought within 72 hours after a potential exposure.

Additional HIV Prevention & Education Resources

Learning about HIV risk and treatment options helps prevent the spread of HIV. Explore resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more about available resources.

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Meet Our Partners

Hispanic Federation and our partners are raising awareness about HIV treatment and prevention, and advocating for policies that solve health disparities affecting Latino communities.