PSI

PASMO/Panama began its operations in 2003 focusing their efforts on sexual health with an emphasis on preventing HIV and sexually transmitted infections, improving the availability of and access to products that promote health, and promoting healthy behaviors through the tools of social marketing. Operations because with two collaborators in charge of distribution and activities directed at behavior change for target populations. In the six years of PASMO/Panama, they have expanded their team to ten collaborators and are well known throughout Panama.

Health Areas

HIV

Health Impact

PSI/Panama estimates that in 2010, its products and services helped avert:

• 1,122 HIV & TB DALYs1
• 683 Reproductive Health DALYs
1. 1. Source: The DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Year) is a widely-used, credible metric that was first developed by the World Bank and is now routinely relied upon in the public health community.

Health Interventions

• Men Who Have Sex with Men
• Sex Workers
• Uniformed Services Personnel
• Female Condom
• Male Condom
• Lubricant

Improving Health in Panama

HIV

This program is directed at men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), clients of sex workers-including mobile populations such as transport drivers, and uniformed service members, persons living with HIV (PLWH), and indigenous populations. Message integration utilizes the ABC method-abstinence, be faithful to your partner, and correctly and consistently use condoms-where abstinence is the only method 100% effective in preventing the spread of HIV and STIs. The reduction of partners and correct usage of condoms are promoted as behaviors indispensable for the reduction of the risk of infections. The program also includes empowerment for the respect of human rights and reduction of social stigmas and discrimination.

PASMO Panama confirms its mission to improve the availability and access to condoms and water based lubricants through the marketing and sale of the brand VIVE. The greatest focus is in the zones of commercial sex work, and in areas with high risk populations.

As products for mass consumption, VIVE condoms and lubricants are found in traditional commercial outlets like supermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies. Additionally, items are for sale in bars, discos, motels, hotels, and night clubs as these areas are considered to have traffic from high risk populations. PASMO’s VIVE brand is top in the mind of Panamanian consumers and last year VIVE LUB was introduced with complete success.