Technology has transformed public health, so we explored how to use the internet and mobile phones to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Peru, at a time when this was an innovative approach to reaching this population.
Imagine Juan, a young man who spends much of his time online. He belongs to a population at high risk for HIV. My team and I saw an opportunity in this challenge, using ads in the same digital spaces Juan used to reach him with prevention messages and offer free HIV and syphilis testing. These ads attracted many users like Juan, and while not all of them went to clinics to get tested, those who did discovered conditions that needed immediate attention, such as HIV and syphilis. With this research, we demonstrate that the internet can connect hard-to-reach populations with necessary health services.
Additionally, we designed motivational videos that addressed the emotional and psychological barriers many men face when considering HIV testing, leading more MSM to express their intention to get tested and attend clinics. An online survey revealed that fear and misinformation were the main barriers. Based on this knowledge, specific interventions were designed to reduce fear and increase awareness about the importance of early HIV diagnosis. To design these interventions, we conducted focus groups that helped create effective messages that ensured the confidentiality and safety of testing and avoided stigmatization.
Through this research, we have demonstrated how ICTs can transform HIV and STI prevention, making public health more accessible and effective for those who need it most. Thanks to these innovative strategies, people like Juan gained greater access to tools to protect their health.
©2025. Hecho con (❤︎) en Yachayninchik
