83% increase in HIV cases in Puebla: Urgent need for education and health prevention.

In recent months, Puebla has witnessed an alarming increase in new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, with an 83% rise compared to the previous year. According to the National Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS (Censida), between January and September of this year, 326 new cases were registered, a figure that contrasts worryingly with the 178 cases reported in the same period of 2022. This increase highlights the urgent need to intensify efforts in education and prevention in the fight against this disease. The impact of HIV is not only reflected in numbers but also in the lives of those affected. Among the patients treated in Puebla are 47 minors under 14 years old, revealing that the transmission of the virus affects not only adults but also impacts younger generations. Care for these patients is vital, as they receive Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), a crucial treatment to control the disease and improve the quality of life for those who suffer from it. To date, a total of 5,983 patients in Puebla are undergoing ART, of which 4,466 are men and 964 are women. However, late diagnosis remains a national concern, as it is estimated that 40% of people living with the virus have already developed Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) by the time they are diagnosed. This phenomenon is alarming, as the disease can take between seven and ten years to develop from the initial infection, leaving many patients without the necessary information to take preventive measures. Sex workers have emerged as a key group in the fight against the spread of HIV, according to statements from the state’s Ministry of Health. Despite the lack of accurate statistics on the number of sex workers in Puebla and the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) they may have, it is recognized that these women tend to be more aware of the risks associated with their work and, therefore, are more likely to take precautions. To support this effort, the Ministry of Health has implemented awareness campaigns on condom use and has conducted free HIV testing events. The former head of the agency, Araceli Soria Córdoba, emphasized that sex workers are an example of proactivity in prevention, as they are more attentive to their health due to the risks they face daily. However, STIs, including HIV, continue to be a significant public health challenge, especially among young people of productive age. The lack of comprehensive sexual education and the stigma surrounding these diseases are factors that hinder the implementation of effective prevention and treatment strategies. As part of the state strategy, more than 2 million condoms have been distributed, and over 40,000 testing procedures have been conducted among vulnerable groups, including migrants, adolescents, sex workers, injectable drug users, pregnant women, men who have sex with men, incarcerated individuals, and the transgender population. These initiatives are essential to curb the spread of the virus and ensure that people have access to the necessary resources to care for their health. The Comprehensive Hospital Care Services (SAIH) in Zacatlán and Tehuacán have provided care to 800 individuals, while the Ambulatory Center for the Prevention and Care of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (CAPASITS) in Puebla has attended to more than 5,000 people with comprehensive medical services. This care is crucial not only for those who are already infected but also for those seeking to prevent infection and know their health status. The situation in Puebla serves as a reminder that the fight against HIV is not over. Each increase in cases is a wake-up call for everyone, from health authorities to society at large. Awareness, education, and access to treatment are key factors in reversing this trend and building a healthier, HIV-free future.