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Compared to most countries in Africa and to nearby islands in the Caribbean, most Latin American countries have not faced a full-scale AIDS epidemic—yet. A number of recent trends suggest, however, that if Latin America does not take appropriate prevention measures soon, incidence levels could reach epidemic proportions. Sound and timely policies can limit the current and future impact of HIV/AIDS on Latin American health care systems, economies, and societies. Many countries in Latin America have shown their willingness to address the scope and special nature of the HIV/AIDS problem; since the late 1980s these countries have developed new structures and the groundwork needed for community responses. However, many challenges still lie ahead. HIV/AIDS in Latin American Countries: The Challenges Ahead presents new and updated information about the extent and trends of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Latin America. It evaluates current national surveillance capacity; assesses the national responses of the health sector to the epidemic on a country-by-country basis; identifies key areas in which specific interventions are urgently needed; and outlines the challenges ahead. This study is based on new World Bank– sponsored research, analyses of secondary information, and country-level data covering these 1