Quintana Roo’s HIV Testing Surge Explained

Chetumal — The increase in the number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) cases in Quintana Roo stems from the application of a greater number of tests among the citizenry.

According to the Secretary of Health, Flavio Carlos Rosado, the greater the number of samplings and preventive actions, the incidence of cases tends to decrease. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that attacks the immune system, while AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, when the immune system is severely damaged.

Not all people with HIV develop AIDS, as with proper treatment, the virus can be controlled. AIDS is the most serious stage of HIV infection, which occurs when the immune system is so damaged that the body cannot fight off infections or diseases.

Up to epidemiological week number 35, 792 positive cases have been confirmed in the state of Quintana Roo, with zero deaths so far this year.

In contrast, during 2024 the final figure was 1,064 diagnoses, reflecting that the trend can be contained if the strategy of testing and support continues to be strengthened.

The Secretary of Health, Carlos Flavio Rosado, explained that Quintana Roo currently ranks first nationally in incidence, a situation that is sought to be reversed with a prevention policy, since there are several methods that can be used, given that HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal and vaginal secretions. However, the most common forms of transmission are unprotected sex and sharing needles or other injection equipment. Also, a woman with HIV can transmit the virus to a baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Although he did not detail the progress to date, he stated that the goal for this 2025 is to administer 60,000 HIV tests, as each early diagnosis opens the possibility of starting a treatment that allows the person to have a better quality of life, compared to those who discover their condition in advanced stages of the disease.

The Secretary of Health insisted on the importance of citizens going to health centers to get tested, as the test is free and confidential.

“It is like cancer, being able to know the diagnosis in time is much better for the person's quality of life. So, while we do more tests, we are going to know more cases, that does not mean we are worse off, on the contrary, it means that we will be able to treat people in a better period,” he stated.

The official specified that early detection also facilitates access to antiretroviral drugs and the comprehensive support offered by the health system. This not only prolongs the life expectancy of people living with HIV, but also reduces the risk of transmission to other people, since a patient under treatment can maintain an undetectable viral load.

Carlos Rosado reiterated the call to the population to take advantage of health services and break down the stigma that still surrounds HIV/AIDS.

“The important thing is to get tested, because if a diagnosis exists, we can provide treatment, medication, and support to patients,” he concluded.

It is worth mentioning that the XVI Legislature of the State of Quintana Roo approved the creation of a new law for the prevention, comprehensive care, and control of HIV in the state of Quintana Roo so that, through the combined efforts of the government together with organized civil society, actions are generated aimed at preventing the transmission of HIV in Quintana Roo society, as well as the comprehensive care of people suffering from HIV, AIDS, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

This law establishes a minimum standard for the provision of health services related to the medical care of people suffering from the aforementioned diseases, as well as the obligation for all authorities and individuals to refrain from engaging in discriminatory acts against this social sector.