"Forty Years of HIV: Challenges and Advances in the Fight Against AIDS in Mexico"

Four decades after the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the fight against acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continues to be a monumental challenge for global public health. Despite significant advances in antiretroviral treatments, the hope for a definitive cure or an effective vaccine remains elusive. This landscape raises a series of critical questions about the care and management of HIV infection worldwide, particularly in Mexico, where approximately 13,000 new cases are reported each year. The research of Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier, who isolated HIV in 1984, represented a milestone in medicine. However, the fact that, at this point, there is still no effective vaccine or cure underscores the complexity of the virus. Leonor Huerta Hernández, a researcher at the Institute of Biomedical Research at UNAM, highlights the severity of the current state of the infection. Although it is estimated that between 60% and 70% of people living with HIV are under treatment, a significant percentage remains undiagnosed, further complicating the control of the epidemic. HIV is particularly insidious as it can remain asymptomatic for many years. This characteristic leads many to ignore their health status until the infection has significantly progressed. According to data from the National Institute of Public Health, half of the patients living with HIV in Mexico seek medical attention only when the disease has already progressed to a critical stage, drastically reducing their life expectancy. In addition to the lack of awareness about health status, HIV has increasingly become a problem affecting different demographic groups. While in its early days the incidence was higher among gay men, there has been a notable increase in cases among women and heterosexual men in recent years. This evolution highlights the urgency of implementing prevention campaigns that address the diversity of the population affected by HIV. The transmission of the virus occurs primarily through unprotected sexual relations, contaminated blood transfusions, and from mother to child during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Although testing for HIV in blood donors has significantly reduced transmission through transfusions, access to information about safe sexual practices remains a critical factor in prevention. Antiretroviral treatments have changed the course of HIV infection, allowing many individuals to lead prolonged and healthy lives. However, treatment must be uninterrupted and often faces challenges related to adherence and drug resistance. The ability of HIV to mutate rapidly complicates the landscape even further, as resistant variants can emerge if patients do not strictly follow their medication regimens. The search for a vaccine has been a constant topic of research since the virus was identified. However, the rapid mutation of HIV and its replication in activated immune cells have hindered the development of an effective solution. The complexity of the virus, which can change within days, presents a formidable obstacle to creating a vaccine that can address all its variants. Despite these challenges, the scientific community continues to work tirelessly on HIV research. From new therapeutic approaches to understanding the virus's biology, each advancement brings the community a bit closer to the understanding needed to ultimately eradicate this disease. However, the need for a global approach that includes prevention, education, and ongoing care is more urgent than ever. It is crucial that governments and public health organizations redouble efforts to detect HIV early, promoting regular and accessible testing for all individuals, regardless of whether they show symptoms. Education about modes of transmission and prevention must be a priority, especially in at-risk populations. HIV and AIDS are constant reminders of the importance of medical research and public health. They have evolved from being a stigma to becoming areas of study and treatment that require ongoing attention and resources. The fight against HIV is not only a medical issue but also a social one, demanding a collective commitment to eliminate the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the information and treatment they need. Ultimately, the history of HIV is a story of resilience and hope, a testament to humanity's capacity to face and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.