The Buenos Aires government assumes the cost of reagents for HIV treatments in light of the national crisis.

The recent announcement by the Buenos Aires government, led by Health Minister Nicolás Kreplak, has generated a ray of hope for the approximately 36,000 people living with HIV in the province. From now on, the provincial government will cover the cost of reagents for crucial tests such as viral load, CD4 count, and resistance testing. This decision comes after cuts made by the national government in September 2024, a measure that had left many in a vulnerable situation. The supplies for these tests are essential for monitoring the progress or regression of the virus in the body, adjusting antiretroviral treatments, and ensuring their effectiveness. Health specialists have deemed these reagents fundamental for the proper monitoring of the disease, and their absence had put the quality of life of many individuals at risk. The provincial government's announcement arrives at a critical moment, when the lack of resources had begun to negatively impact the health of patients. From the provincial Ministry of Health, it has been clarified that the tests must be requested from reference laboratories, and that patients with social security coverage will need to undergo testing in the private sector. This organization aims to ensure that individuals receive adequate follow-up and that health teams have the necessary information to conduct the relevant tests. However, this action is merely a palliative in the face of what many consider a structural crisis in the healthcare system. Provinces face resource limitations and cannot indefinitely assume responsibilities that should belong to the national government. The decision to cut the distribution of reagents for HIV and hepatitis by Javier Milei's government has been seen as a abandonment of the necessary preventive policies to address these diseases. Organizations dedicated to HIV prevention and assistance have expressed their concern over the lack of public policies that allow for proper health management in the province. KOPELCO, one of these organizations, has made it clear that the reduction in the distribution of condoms and other supplies has had a disastrous effect on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis. The lack of access to condoms and the decrease in preventive campaigns have contributed to an increased risk of contagion. The closure of key areas within the national Ministry of Health, such as those coordinating tuberculosis, leprosy, and viral hepatitis, has sparked a wave of rejection and concern among health professionals and civil organizations. These coordinations, which had been established to manage specific policies in these areas, have been dismantled, jeopardizing the progress made in the fight against these diseases in recent years. The elimination of the Viral Hepatitis Coordination, created in 2012, is a severe blow to prevention and treatment efforts. Experts warn that this decision will lead to disorganization in assistance and prevention campaigns, which are already weakened. María Eugenia de Feo, president of the Foundation HCV Without Borders, has emphasized the seriousness of the situation, pointing out that the lack of reagents for hepatitis C will hinder early detection of the disease. Tuberculosis, also threatened by these cuts, is another area of concern. Recent data shows an increase in tuberculosis cases in the country, and many specialists warn that the lack of prevention and early diagnosis could worsen the situation further. Nancy Ballestin from the Social Observatory of Tuberculosis in Argentina has noted that this disease is particularly dangerous for people living with HIV, as it is the first opportunistic disease for this group. As the national government dismantles its public health policies, neighboring countries have demonstrated that investment in prevention programs can have a significant impact on reducing communicable diseases. Brazil's Bolsa Familia program has shown positive results in decreasing tuberculosis cases, highlighting the importance of primary care and access to proper nutrition. In light of this situation, social organizations will attempt to fill the void left by the state, although they are aware that their capacity is limited. The lack of resources and the dismantling of the national structure to coordinate actions between provinces further complicate the situation. The need for a unified and well-articulated response is more evident than ever. In conclusion, while the Buenos Aires government takes a step forward to cover HIV treatments, the dismantling of health policies at the national level raises serious questions about the future of healthcare in the country. The elimination of key coordinations and the reduction of resources put at risk not only the health of those living with HIV but also that of many others who depend on a robust and accessible healthcare system. The fight for public health is not only a local challenge but a shared responsibility that requires urgent attention and renewed commitment from all stakeholders involved.