Chiapas remains the fourth state in the country with the highest incidence of HIV cases, a situation that continues to pose a significant challenge to the health system, with higher rates in municipalities with high population density and constant migration.
The director of the Ambulatory Center for the Prevention and Care of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (CAPASITS), Arturo Villegas, explained that the state is experiencing a different phase than in previous years.
Currently, the CAPASITS in Tuxtla Gutiérrez provides medical care and follow-up to approximately 2,700 people living with HIV, who are under clinical management.
Most of the patients are residents of the Chiapas capital, although people from different regions of the state are also treated, given the center’s greater capacity and specialization.
The municipalities with the highest concentration of cases continue to be Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Tapachula, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, and Comitán.
According to the specialist, this situation is related to population size; however, he warned that in communities with limited access to health services, cases tend to increase progressively.
He emphasized that HIV is no longer a disease that drastically reduces life expectancy, provided there is timely access to treatment.
“Thanks to antiretroviral treatment, patients can remain undetectable, with the virus at minimal levels,” he explained.
Regarding the recent behavior of the disease, he indicated that the decrease in the rate of increase of cases is related to the strengthening of prevention efforts.
Among these, he highlighted the use of condoms, access to lubricants, and the dissemination of tools such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), strategies that were previously little known by the population.
Regarding the highest-risk groups, she explained that priority is given to working with key populations, which include people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, incarcerated individuals, and migrants.
However, she reiterated that HIV can affect anyone, regardless of sex or age.
Migrants
Regarding care for migrants, she acknowledged that they are a significant group served by the Capasits clinic.
Currently, an average of 50 migrants are served, a number that fluctuates due to their transit status, primarily from countries such as Venezuela, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
She emphasized that the supply of antiretroviral medications has remained constant in recent years, ensuring continuity of treatment.
In addition to medical care, he noted that ongoing prevention, information, and training activities are being developed, which are reinforced on key dates such as Condom Day, World Hepatitis Day, and World AIDS Day, with the aim of expanding access to screening services.
Source: cuartopoder
