From quarantine to condoms: Shifting policies and problems of HIV control in Cuba

This study reviews HIV prevention in Cuba in light of (1) the liberalization of HIV quarantine, (2) the growth in tourism, and (3) the aggressive system of public health promotion. Sixty-two key informants, including Cubans who are HIV-positive, at risk, or working as health professionals, were interviewed during June and July of 1996. Findings include: (1) there is a common public perception that the government's national HIV screening and contact tracing system obviates the need for individual precaution; and (2) both commercial sex workers and men who have sex with men believe that legal and social forces hinder their indigenous HIV prevention efforts. A well developed system of preventive health care offers the potential for effective HIV prevention. The fact that Cuban officials use the success of their HIV/AIDS control program to promote national pride may retard appropriate changes in their response to currently rising levels of infection.