HIV: Beware of late diagnosis!

In Panama in 2022, about 66 thousand people were infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), although 16% of them do not know it, according to data Ministry of Health of Panama.

Although there is currently no cure for infectionYes, there is a treatment called “Antiretroviral treatment” which prevents the reproduction of viruses.

In this sense, and on a global level, they are saved 16.2 million lives since 2001thanks to affordable and quality treatments.

This gives the possibility that people with HIV they can enjoy quality and lifespan similar to those who don’t virus.

Science has made possible new ways of treatment evolved and now they are extremely effective, with minimal or no side effects, and are very easy to take (one pill a day).

This ensures that patients maintain theirs adhering to it and have chronic infection control, enabling a better quality of life now and in the future.

To prevent transmission, it is necessary to implement programs that expand access to prevention and treatment, since early detection will prevent transmission to more people, doing everything possible to stop the HIV epidemic.

More data

In Panama, according to data collected in 2022, 38% of young people between the ages of 15 and 29 infected with HIV are diagnosed late, that is, when the immune system is already weakened and some time has passed since the infection.

This is because in many cases the infection shows no obvious symptoms and is impossible to detect unless the person is proactively tested.

Although forms of transfer can also be through the blood (sharing sharp objects or sharp objects), or perinatally/vertically (pregnancy or breastfeeding), 98% of HIV transmission is due to unprotected sex, so Comprehensive sexual education (ESI) is a key point when it comes to prevention.

This provides tools so that adolescents, in accordance with their age, can learn to know their bodies, assume responsible values ​​and attitudes related to avoiding exposure to various infections. sexual transmission and unwanted pregnancies, to know and respect the right to identity, non-discrimination and good treatment.

International day

In the frame World AIDS DayDecember 1st every year, to raise awareness about the infection and all the people whose lives have been affected by this virus.

The date is also a global opportunity for challenge and overthrow barriers that exist in the care of infected personsrecognize the progress that has enabled people diagnosed to lead full lives, working together with public health officials, community advocates, researchers and health care providers, addressing HIV in a chronic and controlled state, with minimal impact in quality of life.