Mapping Mexico's Uneven Battle Against HIV
Despite progress in HIV treatment, the virus continues to affect millions globally. In 2023, 1.3 million people contracted HIV, and 630,000 died from AIDS-related illnesses. While access to treatment has improved, the fight against HIV remains a critical priority.
On December 1, 1988, World AIDS Day was commemorated for the first time—a global effort to bring attention to one of the most devastating pandemics of the modern era. Decades later, the fight against HIV/AIDS has evolved, marked by progress in treatment and prevention, yet marred by ongoing challenges. According to the latest figures from UNAIDS, an estimated 39.9 million people globally are living with HIV. In 2023 alone, 1.3 million individuals contracted the virus, and 630,000 lives were lost to AIDS-related illnesses.
Despite the numbers, a glimmer of hope exists: expanded access to medical treatment has led to a decline in new infections in many parts of the world. But progress remains uneven, as structural inequalities, stigma, and limited access to care continue to burden vulnerable populations.
The State of HIV/AIDS: Global Trends
For Dr. José Luis Alfredo Mora Guevara, Secretary of Academic Development at the Faculty of Higher Studies Zaragoza (UNAM), these statistics reflect both hard-fought gains and stubborn obstacles. “While we’ve seen improvements in treatment availability, particularly in middle- and high-income countries, there is still a large percentage of individuals with HIV who do not have access to care,” he explains in an interview commemorating World AIDS Day.
The numbers are sobering: Since the 1980s, when the virus was first identified in the United States, 88.4 million people have contracted HIV. Of those, more than 42.3 million have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Today, regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean report approximately 2.7 million people living with HIV, with 135,000 new infections and 35,000 deaths recorded in 2023 alone.
In Mexico, the National Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS (Censida) estimates that 270,000 people are living with the virus. Alarmingly, only 70% of them know their diagnosis, and just 60% are receiving treatment. This gap highlights a critical issue: access to care remains uneven across different regions and socioeconomic groups.
According to Mexico’s HIV Epidemiological Surveillance System, as of mid-2024, states like Quintana Roo (30.2 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Colima (13.8), Campeche (11.64), Yucatán (11.5), and Baja California (10.31) report the highest rates of new infections. These figures emphasize the urgent need for region-specific interventions and targeted prevention strategies.
Understanding HIV and AIDS
“It’s critical to understand that having HIV does not mean a person has AIDS,” Dr. Mora Guevara stresses. HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, weakens the immune system by attacking CD4 cells, which play a central role in immune defense. Without treatment, the infection progresses over a span of 8 to 11 years (or longer), culminating in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
By this advanced stage, the immune system becomes too compromised to fight off opportunistic infections and certain cancers. Common symptoms include chronic fatigue, weight loss, fever, persistent infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Opportunistic infections such as pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis carinii, tuberculosis, and Cryptococcal meningitis often become fatal without proper intervention. In addition, HIV-positive individuals face heightened risks of developing cancers like Kaposi’s sarcoma, lymphomas, and malignancies linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV).
While HIV affects all age groups, its impact is disproportionately felt among young women aged 15 to 24 in regions like Eastern and Southern Africa. This gender disparity reflects broader issues of inequality, lack of education, and limited access to sexual health resources.
The Role of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
Globally, the availability of antiretroviral treatment (ART) has been a game-changer. By the end of 2023, 30.7 million people had access to ART, a significant increase from just 7.7 million in 2010. However, this figure still falls short of the 2025 target of 34 million. Today, 77% of people living with HIV are receiving treatment, leaving 23% without access—a gap Dr. Mora Guevara describes as a “real disgrace.”
“We cannot accept a world where one in four people with HIV is denied treatment,” he states. “This is a preventable and manageable condition when resources are available.”
Among pregnant women, the success of ART is particularly noteworthy. In 2023, 84% of pregnant women living with HIV had access to antiretroviral drugs, significantly reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
Transmission and Stigma
The methods of HIV transmission are well understood:
- Unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse
- Sharing needles, syringes, or contaminated sharp objects
- Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding
- Contact with infected blood
Yet misconceptions persist. Dr. Mora Guevara emphasizes, “HIV is not transmitted through hugging, kissing, coughing, sharing food, or using the same bathroom. The fact that these stigmas endure reflects a lack of education and awareness.” Stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers, discouraging people from seeking testing and treatment.
The Road Ahead: Prevention and Hope
Efforts to curb HIV infections must prioritize prevention alongside treatment. In Mexico, the Health Sector’s prevention strategies include:
- Promoting consistent condom use
- Preventing drug use and needle sharing
- Ensuring safe blood transfusions
- Avoiding alcohol or drug use during sexual activity, which increases risky behaviors
However, Dr. Mora Guevara notes that prevention alone is not enough. The elusive search for an HIV vaccine continues, hindered by the virus’s ability to mutate rapidly. “Vaccines take years to develop, and by the time one nears completion, the virus has already changed,” he explains.
Until then, learning to live with HIV as a chronic condition remains the goal. Continued investments in testing, treatment, and education are vital to preventing new infections and improving the quality of life for those affected.
World AIDS Day: A Time for Action and Reflection
Every year, on December 1, World AIDS Day brings people together to honor those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses and show solidarity with those living with HIV. It is a day to reflect on the progress made and acknowledge the work still ahead.
“We must learn to live with this pandemic for a good while longer,” Dr. Mora Guevara concludes. “But that doesn’t mean we stop fighting. Through prevention, treatment, and education, we can reduce new infections, save lives, and bring an end to this epidemic.”
The story of HIV/AIDS is one of loss, resilience, and hope. And as the world moves forward, it is a reminder that no effort is too small in the fight against this enduring global crisis.
