Innovative approaches to delivering PrEP, self-testing and partner notification to key and vulnerable populations

Hortencia Esther Peralta Lara is an infectologist and internist with a master's degree in HIV. She currently serves as the HIV and STI prevention advisor at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Her work mainly focuses on the prevention and treatment of HIV, STI, and integration with hepatitis. Dr. Peralta has made significant contributions as a national consultant for PAHO in Guatemala, where she has collaborated on national programs aimed at preventing and controlling sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and AIDS. Throughout her career, Dr. Peralta has led numerous projects that prioritize prevention, especially about pre-exposure prophylaxis. She emphasizes shared leadership with the communities most affected by these issues and advocates for differentiated health service delivery models. Her efforts have played a crucial role in promoting innovative treatments, such as the rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Nicaragua and the use of rapid tests for diagnosing advanced disease. Dr. Peralta is dedicated to advancing the goal of eliminating AIDS.