Over 40 Years On: AIDS in Mexico Still Sees High Infection Rates and Discrimination

MEXICO CITY (apro).- Over 40 years into the HIV epidemic in Mexico, high infection rates continue, particularly among the youth, alongside persistent discrimination against those infected with the virus, according to medical professionals and activists. These concerns are raised in light of World AIDS Day, observed today, December 1st.

As per the latest Epidemiological Bulletin by the Health Ministry (Ssa), as of November 8, there have been approximately 16,000 new HIV cases nationally in the year 2025 alone.

During a conference at the Franz Mayer Museum, Sigfrido Rangel, the medical director of GSK Mexico, reported that over the past decade, data from the General Directorate of Epidemiology of the Health Ministry showed a total of 180,319 HIV cases, with over 39,000 of these among youths aged 15 to 24. The statistics are significantly higher among men who have sex with men.

The situation is further exacerbated, Javier Martínez, president of the Mexican Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, pointed out. Even after more than 40 years of the pandemic, stigma and discrimination against those suffering from the disease still prevail.

“This is why people are hesitant to get tested because they fear finding out they might be infected and facing discrimination. At this point, we shouldn’t be having any HIV cases!” he stated.

The activist also mentioned that health authorities need to ramp up campaigns to detect the disease and spread more sexual education, especially among young people who are just starting their sexual lives. He emphasized the importance of communicating with partners about this and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Martínez highlighted the importance of informing the public about medications that can prevent HIV infection in cases of sexual assault or contact with contaminated needles.

“Stigma and discrimination create a hostile environment for those living with HIV, impacting their timely diagnosis and delaying access to the necessary care to maintain their health and well-being. Without proper medical follow-up, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which is the final stage of the HIV infection occurring when the body’s immune system is severely damaged by the virus,” he explained.

Both the doctor and the activist agreed that HIV remains a “public health challenge” and underscored the need for prevention programs that offer wide coverage and therapeutic innovation to broaden the range of possibilities for those living with HIV.

Understanding HIV

Infectologist and internal medicine specialist, Sigfrido Rangel, described HIV as “a virus that attacks the cells that help the body fight off various afflictions, making the person more susceptible to other infections and diseases.”

He added that both women and men, including young people and children, can contract the virus through any of the modes of transmission—sexual, blood, and perinatal—regardless of race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or religion.

The HIV specialist noted that some of the first signs and symptoms of HIV may resemble those of the flu and typically appear two to four weeks after exposure to the virus.

However, he warned that some individuals might not show symptoms during this initial phase, or they might not appear until much later stages of the infection.

Advancements in Treatment

Rangel and Martínez emphasized the significance of the Mexican government’s recent decision to designate Dolutegravir/Lamivudine as the “preferred regimen” in the public health system for 2025 and 2026, viewing it as a “milestone for patients and the health system.”

They noted that incorporating this complete drug regimen into a single tablet allows more people living with HIV (PLWH) to access therapy with fewer drugs.

Sigfrido Rangel explained that “this innovation provides tangible benefits for patients, maintaining the same efficacy as three-drug treatments, such as reduced medication burden, less impact on weight, lower long-term toxicity, and fewer drug interactions. It is a clear example of how innovation can optimize public resources and significantly enhance the long-term well-being of people living with the virus.”

The speakers expressed optimism about the potential market introduction of a bi-monthly injectable drug that could provide another treatment option for people living with HIV, thereby improving their quality of life.