Playa del Carmen Aims to Expand HIV Detection and Care with New ‘Punto Vida’ Center

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — In response to rising HIV cases in Quintana Roo, municipal authorities and civil society organizations are pushing a project in Playa del Carmen to expand early detection and care for people with the virus through rapid testing campaigns and the creation of a new facility called “Punto Vida.”

Ryan Espinosa, director of Sexual Diversity for the city council, explained that a pilot program called “Diversity in Health” is currently underway. It involves bringing HIV tests to schools, businesses, and other spaces where such diagnostics are not typically offered.

According to the official, the goal is to facilitate access to testing and promote timely detection, especially in a state that consistently ranks among the highest in the country for HIV cases.

“We are bringing these testing campaigns to different spaces so people can get tested without having to go to a hospital or health center,” he said.

As part of these efforts, officials presented an initiative to establish “Punto Vida,” a space that would consolidate various support services related to health and social accompaniment.

The project envisions offering rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis, along with psychological consultations, nutritional guidance, physical therapy, and legal advice for those who need it.

The idea is for this location to operate during the day with extended hours to make it easier for more people to come for testing or guidance.

Espinosa explained that when a test comes back reactive, the municipality does not directly provide medication but immediately refers individuals to specialized health institutions, such as the Ambulatory Center for the Prevention and Care of HIV/AIDS (CAPASITS), where the diagnosis is confirmed and treatment begins.

“We provide support from the moment a person receives the result and is referred to the appropriate medical area,” he noted.

In addition to health prevention actions, the Sexual Diversity Directorate is working on other projects related to social inclusion, including training programs, cultural activities, and support for entrepreneurship among people from the sexual diversity community.

Planned activities also include a cultural month for diversity in June, with artistic presentations, film screenings, and events in various municipal spaces.