Iris Group was contracted by USAID’s Regional HIV/AIDS Program in Central America to conduct a situation analysis of the political landscape for HIV in the region. The team reviewed current activities in the region and identified gaps, obstacles, and constraints affecting the outcome of HIV policy work during the last five years. The qualitative assessment covered all seven countries in the region, gathering information via semi-structured interviews with more than 100 experts and stakeholders from the public sector, civil society, international cooperation agencies, and private enterprises during September 2012. The analysis included a strong focus on factors affecting implementation of policy and programs to address gender-based violence, the needs of LGBT populations, gender norms, and human rights. The results of the analysis helped shape the next U.S. government strategy for assistance on HIV policy in the region.