HIV/AIDS in Mexico
Galvan Diaz, F.; Morales, R.N.
Aids Action 10: 6-7
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0953-0096 PMID: 12342837 Document Number: 370271
In Mexico, Mexicanos contra el SIDA, a confederation of 15 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), was formed in July 1989 in order to present a stronger political presence, strengthen activities, and increase access to international funding. The group works with homosexuals, women, persons who are seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), laborers, students, and professionals. From July 27 to December 15, 1989, in collaboration with the Mexican Radio Institution (IMER), 90 radio spots, which were primarily aimed at youngsters, were broadcast. 16 full-length programs were also produced. The result was a huge demand for condoms and information, especially in Mexico City, among young people who attended rock concerts organized in collaboration with IMER. The national acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) program, CONASIDA, began public education campaigns again in response to the radio programs, in spite of the anti-abortionists, Provida, who had put a stop to public education on condoms and AIDS prevention in 1988. Mexicanos contra el SIDA threatened legal action when Provida and the National Union of Parents in Families tried to take legal action against the director of CONASIDA, Dr. Jaime Sepulveda Amor. The confederation has now signed a working agreement with CONASIDA, although there is concern regarding CONASIDA's political control of funds and fear the bureaucracy will slow down work. The confederation is seeking more direct contact with international funding agencies.