Developing an Accident and Emergency HIV Testing Program (H-38158)

Background: Belize has the highest HIV prevalence in Central America and fourth highest in the Caribbean. The majority (65%) of newly diagnosed HIV cases are in Belize District, which encompasses Belize City, and nearly half (48%) are diagnosed at advanced stages of disease. Given the high burden of HIV, creating an Accident and Emergency (A&E) HIV testing program in Belize City has the potential to increase early HIV diagnosis and linkage to care

Purpose: Increase HIV screening and early detection and linkage to care in Belize.

Project status: qualitative study has been completed, preliminary testing protocol trialed, now in ramp up for opt-out universal HIV screening.

Research Assoc Role: screen, collect and analyze data, assist in developing public relations materials.