The cases of HIV in Panama are alarmingly increasing: Greater prevention and education are urgently needed.

Recent statistics from the Ministry of Health (Minsa) in Panama have raised alarms about the current state of HIV in the country. In 2024, 1,536 new cases were reported, bringing the total number of people diagnosed with the virus over the years to 28,388. This figure, which reflects a steady increase, underscores the urgent need to address the lack of awareness and prevention in the population. Demographic data reveals that an overwhelming majority of new cases, 77.5%, are among men, while 22.5% are women. This disproportion raises questions about access to education and prevention in different segments of the population. Dr. Carlos Chávez, head of the STI/HIV/AIDS section at Minsa, highlighted that most cases are concentrated among young people aged 15 to 44, with the most affected group being those aged 20 to 29, accounting for an alarming 40% of new diagnoses. Among the main causes perpetuating this situation, Dr. Chávez emphasized the lack of condom use, cultural beliefs, and the stigma surrounding certain communities, such as men who have sex with men and transgender individuals. This stigma often acts as a barrier to accessing health services and education about HIV, contributing to a cycle of misinformation and risk. Additionally, mother-to-child transmission of HIV remains a significant issue, as many pregnant women do not receive the necessary prenatal care, resulting in late diagnoses that could have been avoided. The lack of adequate prenatal care is one of the main causes that perpetuate the transmission of the virus to newborns, a fact that requires an immediate response from health authorities. Dr. Orlando Quintero, director of Probidsida, has observed that, despite an annual increase in new cases, there have also been significant improvements in early diagnosis. A decade ago, 90% of patients were diagnosed at the advanced stage of AIDS, while currently, this percentage has decreased to 40-50%. However, these figures remain concerning and suggest that much work is still needed to improve HIV detection and treatment. The director of Probidsida also highlighted the importance of timely treatment in the fight against HIV. With adequate access to testing and treatments, it is possible to control the epidemic and reduce the number of new cases. Statistics show that, while the number of AIDS cases has decreased from 800 to between 400 and 500 annually, deaths from the disease, which were previously around 600, still hover near 300. This figure is unacceptable in a country where health services offer free testing and treatment. The need to intensify prevention campaigns and sexual education is evident. According to Dr. Quintero, education programs must be more consistent and designed to create real awareness among the population. With 50% of people still not getting tested preventively, the risk of HIV transmission remains present and growing. Mixed enterprises, such as Naturgy, have also come under scrutiny from the Comptroller, who announced a thorough audit. While the main focus is on the transparency and management of these entities, the question arises as to how these processes can align with improving public health and preventing HIV. Collaboration between the public and private sectors could be key in implementing awareness and prevention programs. The combination of effective health policies, ongoing education, and a stigma-free approach in the community is crucial to addressing this challenge. With the right information and support, there is the potential to change the narrative of HIV in Panama, turning the increase in cases into an opportunity to educate and protect the population. The responsibility does not rest solely with the state; each individual must also take charge of their health and that of their community.