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.
After 11 years of PASMO in Panama, we expanded our operations with three commercial distributors who are responsible for the development and sale of our social marketing product around the country. Also we work with five NGOs around the country who are implementing our USAID Combination Prevention Program.
Our team has likewise expanded to 12 collaborators and we are well known throughout Panama.
PASMO estimates that in 2015, its products and services helped avert 7,037 DALYs in Panama, including, by health area:
- 6,125 HIV DALYs
- 912 FP DALYs
PASMO’s family planning programs also provided 33,731 couple-years of protection.
HIV
This program is directed at men who have sex with men, female sex workers, transsexual population, clients of sex workers-including mobile populations such as transport drivers, and uniformed service members, persons living with HIV, and native 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.
Donors
- U.S. Agency for International Development
- Operations in Panama are principally paid for by the profit of the sales of VIVE products (condoms and lubricants)
Partners
- Nacional HIV/AIDS Program
- APLAFA ( IPPF Partner)
- Well known local NGOs as:
- Grupo Genesis Panamá Positivo
- Asociación de Hombres y Mujeres Nuevos de Panamá
- Viviendo Positivamente
- PROBIDSIDA
- Can Online Interventions Enhance HIV Case Finding and Linkages to Care? Comparing Offline and Online Monitoring Data from a Combination Prevention Program with MSM and Transgender Women in Central America (WEPEC166)
Under the USAID Combination Prevention Program for HIV in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Panama, the Pan American Social Marketing Organization (PASMO) implements offline and online interventions to increase HIV testing services (HTS) uptake among at-risk MSM and transgender women (TW), and link reactive cases to care. - “Stigma And Discrimination-Free Zones”: An Innovative Approach to Engaging the Private and Public Sectors in Creating More Inclusive Environments for Key Populations in Central America (TUPED509)
Central America's HIV epidemic is concentrated in key populations (KPs). Despite existing HIV laws and policies that respond to KP's specific needs, there is evidence of widespread discriminatory attitudes and practices towards these populations, and stigma and discrimination continue to be important barriers to accessing HIV services and care. In 2016, under the USAID Combination Prevention Program for HIV in Central America, PASMO designed an intervention entitled “stigma and discrimination-free zones” as part of a broader initiative known as Generation Zero, contributing to the goal of “getting to zero discrimination.” - “If you don’t have the courage to go get a test, you won’t have the courage to go for treatment”: Consumer Perspectives on the Introduction of HIVST in Central America (WEPEC187)
The introduction HIV self-testing (HIVST) could overcome stigma-related barriers to HIV testing among Central America''s vulnerable populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW) and transgender women (TW). The Pan American Social Marketing Organization, through the USAID Combination Prevention Program in Central America, explored knowledge and acceptability of HIVST among vulnerable populations in four studies. - VIVE, Much More Than Just a Sustainable Condoms Socially-Marketed Brand (TUPEE601)
In response to the HIV epidemic in Central America, Population Services International (PSI) created in Central America, its affiliate, the Pan American Social Marketing Organization (PASMO) in 1996. PASMO's inception project was to launch a regional socially-marketed condom brand, “VIVE,” to improve availability of and access to high quality condoms. Sustainability of the brand and growth of the total market were core principles from the start of the project. - “Mamá Segura” Delivery Kits Summary
Socios públicos y privados reciben donación de kits “Mamá Segura” para prevenir la transmisión del virus del Zika en mujeres embarazadas Centroamericanas.
Public and private partners have donated "Mamá Segura" kits to prevent transmission of the Zika virus in pregnant women in Central America. - “The ART of Synergy”: Qualitative Study on Barriers to HIV Treatment Adherence among PLWH in Central America
This presentation includes the results from a qualitative study on barriers to HIV treatment adherence among men who have sex with men. - “Sometimes We Take a Vacation”: Qualitative Study on Barriers to HIV Treatment Adherence Among PLWH in Central America
In 2012, PASMO conducted formative research to explore barriers and strategies people living with HIV (PLWH) use to achieve antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. - The Effectiveness of the USAID Combination Prevention Program for Preventing the Spread of HIV Among Key Populations in Central America
PSI/PASMO recently published four peer-reviewed articles on the effectiveness and innovation of the USAID Combination Prevention Program for HIV in Central America. - Cyber-Educators In Latin America
In Latin America, PASMO has employed cyber-educators to reach young MSM with HIV prevention information through online chat rooms. Check out this video explaining their approach. - Integrating HIV prevention and family planning for a better future
Launched in 2010 by PSI's Central American affiliate, PASMO, the Combination Prevention Program for HIV offers an integrated approach to prevention that combines testing and counseling, condom promotion and distribution, and family planning, as well as other services to promote an improved well-being.