[Women and HIV/AIDS: barriers and new challenges]

Women have been placed at a vulnerable situation regarding the HIV epidemic. Recent advances in antiretroviral therapies have placed in evidence the gender disparities and the new challenges to overcome them. The mortality of AIDS has decreased dramatically in the United States and Puerto Rico as a consequence of new combination therapies. Still, women constitute the fastest growing group of AIDS cases. There are gender differences in access to treatment and care, economic income and social and personal power. Among women's barriers to care are the lack of knowledge about AIDS in women by health providers, the family responsibilities and the burden and fear of disclosure. The authors suggest the need for empowerment as strategy for attaining better health and improving the quality of life in women living with HIV.