NPR

What's Behind The Alarming Spike In HIV Infections In Panama?

In many parts of the world, the rate of HIV infection is declining. But not among the indigenous peoples of this Central American country.
Dario Garcia, a lawyer in Panama, visits people who are HIV positive to see if they're taking their medications. Garcia himself is HIV positive. "I feel alone," he says. "I believe the most support I have now is from others who have been diagnosed."

A short man with a ponytail peeks through a crack in a sheet-metal fence, calling out to see if anybody's home. His name is Dario Garcia and he's checking on some people with HIV to make sure they're taking their meds.

Garcia walks through the muddy yard, past chickens and scrawny dogs to the cinder block house.

Inside, he finds two men, both indigenous and HIV-positive. At first, they want to talk to Garcia. Then, they spot someone outside — a neighbor or a family member. They clam up. One man backs into the corner of the room. If he could dissolve into the ash-gray wall, he would. Nobody else in the household knows they have HIV, and the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min readAmerican Government
With Federal Fraud Trial Looming, George Santos Drops Out Of New York House Race
The scandal-plagued former Republican congressman, ousted from his House seat last year, abandoned his long-shot independent bid for Congress. But he suggested his political career may not be over.
NPR4 min readAmerican Government
Why Haven't Kansas And Alabama — Among Other Holdouts — Expanded Access To Medicaid?
Only 10 states have not joined the federal program that expands Medicaid to people who are still in the "coverage gap" for health care
NPR2 min readInternational Relations
World Central Kitchen Workers Killed In Israeli Strikes Will Be Honored At Memorial
The aid workers were killed April 1 when a succession of Israeli armed drones ripped through vehicles in their convoy as they left one of World Central Kitchen's warehouses on a food delivery mission.

Related Books & Audiobooks