Cuba strengthens its commitment to the fight against HIV on World Response Day.

Every December 1st, the world commemorates World AIDS Day, a crucial moment to reflect on the advances and challenges in the fight against this disease that, since its emergence, has affected millions of people across the globe. In Cuba, the conversation about the prevention and care of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, extends beyond this symbolic date, being a recurring topic in the media throughout the year. Since the 1970s, Cuba has implemented programs for the control of sexually transmitted diseases, starting with syphilis and gonorrhea. With the diagnosis of the first cases of HIV in 1986, the country took an important step by establishing its first HIV Prevention and Control Program. This initiative not only focused on the virus itself but was also integrated into five-year strategic plans aimed at comprehensively addressing the issue of sexually transmitted infections. HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. Originally associated with specific groups and developed countries, HIV soon transformed into a pandemic that has touched every corner of the world, affecting men, women, and children regardless of class or geography. In the Cuban context, the situation of HIV presents interesting particularities. According to the latest data, 80.5% of people diagnosed with HIV are men, and within this group, men who have sex with men represent 86.2% of the cases. This demographic highlights the need for specific approaches in prevention and care for the most vulnerable populations. Despite the challenges, Cuba stands out for maintaining one of the lowest rates of HIV prevalence in the Caribbean and the Western Hemisphere. Thanks to a series of effective interventions, the transmission of the virus through blood and its derivatives, as well as mother-to-child transmission, has been eliminated. Sexual transmission among those under 14 years old and between heterosexual men and women is also under control, demonstrating the positive impact of the public health policies implemented in the country. One of the most significant milestones in the fight against HIV in Cuba was the certification by the World Health Organization in 2015, which recognized the island as the first country in the world to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis, a condition that was recertified in 2017 and again in 2019. These achievements are a testament to the effectiveness of public health programs and the comprehensive care provided to pregnant women. In the present year, the care strategy has evolved, and the number of HIV tests conducted has increased, especially among key populations. These tests are facilitated through Primary Health Care and community activities, reflecting a continuous effort to identify and care for those at risk. Care for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, is integrated into the Family Doctor and Nurse Program, thus ensuring access to health services and facilitating transitions through different levels of care. This comprehensive approach includes collaboration among doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers, who play a fundamental role in supporting the population. In addition to medical services, civil society has also taken an active role in the response to HIV. The Support Line for people with HIV, a national initiative, offers support to those living with the virus, promoting adherence to treatment and self-care. This support network, composed of elected coordinators, responds to the local characteristics of the epidemic and seeks to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV. The National Center for the Prevention of STIs/HIV/AIDS, created in 1998, has been fundamental in establishing policies and prevention programs in Cuba. With the backing of international organizations such as "Doctors Without Borders," this center has developed multiple projects aimed at raising awareness and educating about sexually transmitted infections and HIV, highlighting the importance of informing and training the population. Finally, preventive medicine, a pillar of the Cuban National Health System, continues to be a central focus in the fight against HIV. The vision of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz to prioritize public health remains relevant, ensuring that efforts in the prevention and care of HIV not only address the disease but also strengthen the well-being of society as a whole. As we commemorate this World AIDS Day, it is crucial to recognize the achievements made and reaffirm the collective commitment to continue advancing in the prevention and treatment of this disease.