Every December 1st, the World AIDS Day with the aim of informing, raising awareness, preventing and promoting actions against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In Argentina, 140,000 people live with HIV and 5,300 contract the virus every yearaccording to data from the national Ministry of Health.
Ending HIV is absolutely possible if all people living with the virus learned of their diagnosis in time and thus accessed care and treatment. however, 44% of people in the country learn their HIV status late, by which time their immune systems are weakened.
HIV: they ask to double efforts for early diagnosis
Becuase of this very reason, the guest Foundation calls for the three keys to ending HIV in our country to be met: HIV testing, care and treatment. Currently the HIV test is free, confidential and dose not require a doctorS prescription, and people can know their diagnosis from a drop of blood taken from a finger in less than 15 minutes.
In this sense, Leandro Cahnexecutive director of the association, explained that “taking an HIV test is essential in two senses.” In this regard, if the diagnosis is confirmed negative, “it is an opportunity to strengthen healthcare measures”, while, if it is positive, “the person can access treatments that allow them to have a quality of life similar to that of those he doesn’t have the virus.”
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Conversely, on the subject of treatments and treatments, for at least a decade it has been scientifically proven that people who access treatment maintain viral load levels so low that tests cannot detect them They do not transmit the virus sexually.
Despite the evidence-based knowledge available, according to the draft Budget 2025 66,500 treatments are planned for people living with HIV. This is lower than the 70,500 expected for 2024 and very similar to the 66,893 in 2023, which implies not taking into account the almost 5,000 new cases per year.
UNICEF has warned of “disproportionate” HIV infection rates among young women
Unicef This Friday,seven in ten young people aged 15 to 19 infected with the AIDS virus in 2023 were girls,a rate that rises to nine in ten in sub-Saharan Africa. In this sense, some 96 thousand girls and 41 thousand boys between 15 and 19 years old were infected with HIV in 2023. Between 0 and 14 years old, the average number of daily infections rose to 330.
Meanwhile, though Over the last decade there has been a “considerable” reduction in new infectionsIn 2023, 250,000 new cases were detected among children under 19, bringing the total number of infected people to 2.4 million.
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“Young adolescent girls continue to struggle to access adequate prevention and support services,” the association said in a statement, warning that “if urgent measures are not taken to address the disproportionate impact of HIV on adolescent girls and young women women, especially in the sub-Saharan region”. africa, The hard-won gains in the HIV response may be lost“.
“Children living with HIV must be given priority when it comes to investing resources and effort to expand care for all,” he said Anurita BainsAssociate Director of the HIV/AIDS Department of Unicef. the fact is that, unlike the 77% of adults carrying the virus who have access to antiretrovirals, only 57% of children under 14 have such treatment, a figure that rises to 65% in adolescents.
Last year more than 90 thousand children and adolescents died from AIDS-related causes, with an average of around 250 deaths per day. Of these,73% occurred among children under 10 years of age.
every four minutes a new case of HIV is registered
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the moast affected region despite the rate of new HIV infections in Eastern and Southern Africa having declined by 72% among children aged 0 to 14 years and by 57% among those aged 15 to 19 years since 2010. “One of greatest global achievements in the field of public health in recent decades”, underlines Unicef.
However, in 2023, 74 thousand new cases were recorded among young people between 15 and 19 years old in Eastern and Southern Africa18 thousand inches West and Central Africa8,900 inches South Asia5,800 inches Eastern Europe and Central Asiaand 16,000 inches East Asia and the Pacific.
In Latin America and the Caribbean there was no significant reduction of HIV infection rate among adolescents in at least a decade, while in middle East and North Africa as 2010, new infections among adolescents have increased by 70%.
What are the routes of HIV transmission?
The doctor Valeria El Haj explained that HIV is found “in blood, semen, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. It is indeed transmitted through contact of these fluids with the mucous membranes or bloodstream of another person.”
furthermore, he indicated that it is estimated that in Argentina There are over 140 thousand people infected with the HIV virus, even if 13% don’t know it. “In our country it is especially concentrated among vulnerable populations such as trans women, men who have sex with men and sex workers,” she said.
The proven transmission routes are few and well defined:
-Sexual path: HIV can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex between people of the same or different sex. The virus spreads through microscopic lesions or wounds that occur during penetration and other sexual practices. These wounds allow fluids from a person with HIV to enter their partner’s body.
90% of HIV transmissions occur through sexual contact and, to a lesser extent, oral sex also carries risks, which is why it must be practiced with a latex field. Its contagion is prevented with the correct
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-Perinatal or vertical path: It can be transmitted from the pregnant person to the baby during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. It is indeed the main route of HIV transmission in children. Without receiving adequate medical care and treatment, a person living with HIV has a 30% chance of giving birth to an HIV-infected child.
With treatment and medical care, the risk of transmitting the virus to your baby is almost zero. Prevention includes adequate pregnancy monitoring. It is indeed recommended that all pregnant women undergo HIV testing during the first trimester.
The importance of knowing how the virus is not transmitted
Likewise,El Haj indicated that “it is as vital as knowing how the virus is transmitted know what behaviors or practices they don’t know“. “Having sex using a condom, sneezing and sharing dishes do not transmit the virus. Saliva, tears, sweat, air and water, like food, are not vehicles of transmission,” he explained.
Nor do you play sports, kiss, hug, shake hands, play, work or study, share showers or swimming pools, or exchange clothes with people living with HIV. Anyone who receives a properly controlled blood transfusion is at no risk. In this regard, The national AIDS law requires testing of all blood for transfusion. Any procedure involving the risk of cutting or perforation (puncture) must be performed with disposable or sterilized material.
“Similarly, we talk about combined prevention when it comes to the use of condoms together with other methods that prevent this disease. Using a condom is essential to prevent HIV but it is not the only tool. “Combined prevention integrates a series of programs designed with the aim of meeting the HIV prevention needs of some specific people and communities,” explained the specialist.
“Many times, some populations are affected by the epidemic in different ways compared to others and this requires adequate intervention adapted to each situation. Every strategy must be based on rights and scientific evidence from a public health perspective,” he concluded.
How can community engagement improve access to HIV testing and care for young people in argentina?
Time.news Interview: Tackling HIV/AIDS Awareness and Treatment in Argentina
Editor (Marta): Good day, everyone. Thank you for joining us. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Leandro Cahn, the executive director of a prominent foundation focused on HIV awareness and treatment in Argentina. Leandro, welcome!
Leandro Cahn: Thank you, Marta. It’s great to be here and share insights on such an crucial topic.
Marta: Every December 1st marks World AIDS Day,a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS. It’s alarming to learn that around 140,000 people in Argentina live with HIV, and 5,300 new infections occur each year. what’s your view on the current state of awareness and prevention in Argentina?
Leandro: The statistics are indeed concerning. Awareness is key, not only to prevent transmission but also to ensure timely diagnosis. Unluckily, a significant 44% of people learn their HIV status late, when their immune systems are already compromised. increasing awareness about testing is crucial in changing this narrative.
Marta: You mentioned the role of early diagnosis. How can this be achieved more effectively?
Leandro: Education plays a vital role. We must communicate that HIV testing is free, confidential, and easily accessible. People can get tested with a simple drop of blood and receive results in under 15 minutes. We encourage everyone to get tested regularly. if you’re negative, it’s a great chance to reinforce preventive measures. If you’re positive, early access to treatment can definitely help you maintain a quality of life comparable to those without the virus.
Marta: It’s encouraging to note that scientifically, if individuals access treatments, they can maintain such low viral loads that the virus becomes undetectable and untransmittable.Though, I understand budget constraints pose a challenge for ongoing treatments. Can you elaborate?
Leandro: Yes, it’s a pressing issue. The draft budget for 2025 proposes 66,500 treatments for those living with HIV, which is a decrease from the previous year. This is particularly concerning given the nearly 5,000 new infections annually,which signals a need for increased funding and resources rather than a reduction in support.
Marta: That’s certainly alarming. Beyond treatment, we’re also seeing a global crisis affecting young people, particularly girls, according to UNICEF. It highlights the disproportionate rates of new infections amongst young women, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.How do you perceive this issue in Argentina?
Leandro: while the statistics in Argentina may differ, the underlying issues are similar. Young women often face barriers to accessing education and healthcare services, which directly impacts their ability to get tested and treated. we need to advocate for better access to education about HIV and resources for testing and care specifically aimed at young women.
Marta: It sounds like comprehensive community engagement is necessary. As an expert in this field, what strategies do you believe could effectively elevate awareness and improve access to resources?
Leandro: Community outreach is essential. We need targeted campaigns that focus on the younger population, especially girls.Collaborating with schools, youth organizations, and healthcare professionals can definitely help normalize conversations around HIV, reduce stigma, and encourage proactive health measures. Making healthcare facilities more accommodating and understanding towards young people is also critical.
Marta: Importantly, you noted that while treatment options for adults have risen, access for children remains lower. What can be done to address this disparity?
Leandro: Prioritizing children living with HIV is essential. We must increase investment in pediatric healthcare and ensure that children receive the necessary medications. Raising awareness about their specific needs will help bridge this gap. Partnerships with organizations focused on children’s health can aid in promoting policies that support treatment accessibility for young HIV-positive individuals.
marta: Thank you, Leandro, for your invaluable insights and commitment to combating this ongoing health challenge. As we conclude,what message would you like to share with our readers about HIV and the importance of awareness?
Leandro: I’d say that HIV is not just a health issue; it’s a societal one. We all have a role to play in fighting stigma, promoting testing, and supporting those living with the virus. Knowledge is power—so let’s empower each other to act, get tested, and access the treatments we need. Together, we can aspire to end HIV once and for all.
Marta: Wise words, Leandro.Thank you again for joining us today and for your dedication to this critical cause. Let’s hope that through open dialog and action, we can make significant strides in this fight.
Leandro: Thank you, Marta. It’s been a privilege to discuss these vital issues.
Marta: And to our audience, thank you for tuning in! Remember, awareness saves lives. Until next time, take care.
