Dominican Republic
The adult prevalence of HIV in the Dominican Republic is 1.1 percent, and UNAIDS estimates that 66,000 Dominicans are HIV-positive. Together with neighboring Haiti, it accounts for almost three-quarters of the Caribbean’s HIV cases. HIV was first reported in the Dominican Republic in 1983 and spread until the mid-1990s, when prevalence started to decrease. Heterosexual intercourse is reported to be the primary form of transmission of the disease, accounting for 81 percent of HIV infections in 15 to 44 year olds of both sexes. However, because of strong stigma against homosexuality, it is possible that the number of infections resulting from men having sex with men may be higher than listed. Currently, the epidemic appears to have stabilized.
USAID, in collaboration with the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, is the lead bilateral donor in the Dominican Republic. Its efforts include supporting nongovernmental organization's implementation of prevention activities and strengthening the government’s voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs. USAID is providing a five-year, $35 million contract to assist in overhauling and strengthening the country’s HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and child survival programming. Areas of focus include HIV/AIDS prevention and care, VCT, prenatal and postnatal care, and PMTCT. The Agency also provides ongoing technical assistance to the Ministry of Health’s monitoring and information systems.
View the USAID HIV/AIDS Health Profile for the Dominican Republic - June 2008 [PDF, 133KB]
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