VIH PREVENCIÓN

Introduction to the Workshop

Welcome and Introduction

• Carlos welcomes participants to the second session of the 20th edition of the International Sexuality Workshop, emphasizing inclusivity with "todos, todas y todes."

• The session is introduced by Professor Daniel Negrete from the College of Morphology and Physiology, who expresses his pleasure in hosting today's speaker.

Speaker Introduction: Dr. Carlos Sandoval

Background and Expertise

• Dr. Carlos Sandoval Ramírez is introduced as a medical surgeon specializing in preventive medicine with a master's degree in epidemiology from the National Institute of Public Health.

• His multidisciplinary approach combines health promotion and infectious disease control with studies in physical anthropology, enhancing his understanding of health processes.

• Currently, he teaches health education at the National Preparatory School, focusing on morphology and physiology topics for students in their fifth and sixth years.

Current Global HIV Statistics

Overview of HIV Prevalence

• As of 2024, approximately 40.8 million people globally are living with HIV; however, data collection often lags behind by six months to a year. This creates uncertainty regarding current statistics.

• A significant concern highlighted is that one-third of those diagnosed with HIV are young individuals aged 15 to 24 years old—an age group relevant to workshop participants.

HIV Transmission Rates Among Adolescents

Key Data Points

• In 2024 alone, around 150,000 adolescents aged 15 to 19 contracted HIV; this statistic underscores an urgent public health issue among youth populations worldwide.

• The presentation indicates that Mexico's data collection on HIV cases involves systematic reporting through the General Directorate of Epidemiology which compiles diagnoses into national statistics over time.

Trends in Mexico's HIV Cases

Analysis Over Time

• From 2014 to November 2025, there have been nearly 188 thousand reported cases of HIV in Mexico; men account for about 85% of these diagnoses compared to only about 15% for women. This highlights gender disparities in infection rates.

• The most affected age group for diagnoses remains between ages 25 and 29; however, preliminary data suggests increasing cases among younger demographics as well as potential increases due to incomplete reporting for late November and December periods in upcoming statistics for 2025.

Overview of HIV Transmission and Prevention Strategies

Global Impact and Trends in HIV Cases

• The most affected regions globally over the past decade include Estado de México, Ciudad de México, and Veracruz, where the highest concentration of HIV cases is found.

• New cases reported for 2025 are emerging in Tintan@ California and Yucatán, indicating a shift in transmission dynamics across the country.

Understanding HIV Transmission Methods

• There are four primary methods of HIV transmission: through blood (most recognized), injectable drug use, sexual activity (most common), and pregnancy.

• Vertical transmission occurs when a mother passes on not only antibodies but also diseases to her child during pregnancy.

Primary Prevention Strategies

• Primary prevention aims to avoid disease onset; condom effectiveness ranges from 98% to 99% when used correctly for preventing fluid-based transmission.

• Comprehensive sexual health education can reduce infection risk by 30% to 40%, promoting behavioral changes that lower exposure risks.

Addressing Co-Infections

• Treating other infections like syphilis can decrease HIV transmission risk since existing lesions increase susceptibility during contact with an infected person.

Behavioral Interventions

• Reducing the number of sexual partners lowers the risk of encountering someone with HIV; this is part of broader strategies promoting responsible sexual behavior.

Understanding PrEP: A Preventive Measure Against HIV

What is PrEP?

• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is available for individuals at high risk of contracting HIV, including sex workers or those with unknown partner status regarding their viral load.

Effectiveness and Usage Guidelines

• Daily antiretroviral medication taken as PrEP has shown up to 99% effectiveness in preventing HIV if taken before potential exposure.

Counseling Requirements for Accessing PrEP

• Individuals must undergo counseling before receiving PrEP; this includes discussing reasons for taking it and understanding its proper usage protocol.

Post-Sexual Activity Protocol

• After engaging in risky sexual behavior, it's crucial to continue taking PrEP for two days post-exposure to maintain its protective effect against potential virus replication.

Accessibility of PrEP Services

• PrEP services are provided free at health clinics specializing in HIV treatment; these facilities offer comprehensive support beyond just medication access.

Access to Health Services for UNAM Students

Availability of Health Modules

• The Instituto del Seguro Social has health service modules available for UNAM students, observed in clinics 7 and 8.

• These services are accessible and free, although not present in all health units.

Prophylactic Treatments

• Prophylactic treatments are offered to individuals exposed to contaminated blood, now available to the general public.

• Specific cases include condom breakage or unknown sexual partners; treatment must be initiated within a specific timeframe.

Importance of Timely Intervention

• A critical rule is that treatment should begin within 72 hours post-exposure; after this period, options become limited.

Regular Testing Strategies

• Secondary prevention strategies include regular testing; pharmacies like San Pablo offer self-testing for HIV exposure.

• It's essential to wait at least 30 days post-exposure for accurate test results due to the window period.

Adolescent Health Services

Resources Available for Adolescents

• Most health centers provide adolescent services addressing various health concerns, including contraceptive methods.

Online Support Systems

• The Center for Gender Equity offers an online chat service where adolescents can ask questions and receive guidance on accessing services.

Challenges in Treatment Adherence

Issues with Medication Compliance

• One major challenge faced by individuals diagnosed with HIV is adherence to lifelong medication regimens.

Importance of Psychological Support

• Psychological support plays a crucial role in helping patients maintain their treatment plans effectively.

Understanding Self-Test Procedures

How Self-Test Kits Work

• Self-test kits measure antibodies and require a minimum immune response time (around 30 days post-infection).

Interpreting Test Results

• Positive results show two lines (C and T), while one line indicates a negative result.

Diagnostic Confirmation Process

Follow-Up Testing Requirements

• Rapid tests are preliminary; confirmatory tests like Western Blot are necessary for definitive diagnosis.

Early Diagnosis Benefits

• Early diagnosis and timely treatment significantly reduce complications associated with infections.

Understanding the Stigma and Treatment of HIV

The Impact of Social Stigma on Health Seeking Behavior

• There is a significant social stigma surrounding individuals infected with HIV, which affects their willingness to seek medical help.

• Many people hesitate to discuss their sexual health concerns with parents or healthcare providers due to fear of judgment, delaying necessary health interventions.

• Individuals in risky situations should be encouraged to seek timely information and support without fear of stigma.

Importance of Healthy Living and Timely Treatment

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce complications for those diagnosed with HIV; proper hydration and nutrition are essential.

• Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for managing HIV effectively, leading to improved quality of life.

Advances in HIV Treatment

• With effective medication, individuals living with HIV can achieve an undetectable viral load, allowing them to lead normal lives and engage in safe sexual practices without risk of transmission.

• Mothers living with HIV can have undetectable viral loads during childbirth, significantly reducing the risk of transmission to their babies.

The Need for Prevention Despite Effective Treatments

• Despite advancements in treatment that improve quality of life, prevention remains critical due to the ongoing risks associated with non-adherence to medication regimens.

• Vulnerable populations such as adolescents and young adults still require targeted prevention efforts despite the availability of effective treatments.

Psychological Aspects and Communication Challenges

• Continuous treatment may not be feasible for everyone; psychological factors play a significant role in adherence and decision-making regarding health care.

• Open communication about one's status is vital; solidarity among partners can enhance collective protection against transmission.

Collective Responsibility in Prevention Efforts

• Encouraging open dialogue about sexual health within relationships fosters understanding and responsibility towards mutual protection against HIV.

• Sharing knowledge about prevention strategies can empower others to seek help when needed, reinforcing community support systems.

Conclusion: Changing Perceptions Around HIV

• It’s important to recognize that living with HIV today does not equate to a death sentence; awareness campaigns aim at changing outdated perceptions while promoting informed choices.

Understanding Health Prevention and Access

Importance of Preventive Measures

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of understanding that health conditions have evolved over the past 40 to 50 years, highlighting the need for ongoing preventive measures rather than one-time solutions.

• Combining various preventive strategies can significantly enhance their effectiveness, potentially approaching a 100% success rate in preventing infectious diseases.

Time-Sensitive Health Actions

• Individuals are reminded of a critical 72-hour window to seek medical attention after potential exposure to risks such as accidents or sexual contact, with free health tests available.

• Local health centers are actively encouraging young people to get tested, indicating an accessible opportunity for individuals to prioritize their health.

Treatment Accessibility and Innovations

• New treatments are becoming available in Mexico, including a recently authorized medication that allows for bi-monthly injections instead of daily pills.

• The speaker stresses the importance of equitable access to healthcare services, noting social determinants that hinder some individuals from receiving necessary care.

Engaging with Healthcare Services

• The audience is encouraged to take charge of their health by being proactive and seeking information about available services and treatments.

Addressing Concerns About Medications

• Questions arise regarding the side effects of new medications; while advancements reduce adverse effects, regular check-ups remain essential for those on preventative treatments like PrEP.

• The sensitivity of testing methods is discussed; false positives can occur due to high test sensitivity, necessitating confirmatory testing.

Guidelines for Medication Use

• Clarifications are provided on how long before and after taking PrEP one should wait before engaging in sexual activity; adherence is crucial for effectiveness.

• It’s noted that evidence suggests PrEP requires at least seven days in advance to be effective against HIV transmission.

Interactions with Other Treatments

• Discussion includes considerations regarding interactions between PrEP and other medications; it’s advised that patients consult guidelines when combining treatments.

Impact of Social Stigma on HIV Diagnosis and Treatment

The Role of Social Stigma

• Regina Castillo Sánchez raises a critical question about how social stigma affects the diagnosis and treatment of HIV.

• The speaker reflects on a psychological exercise emphasizing empathy, urging individuals to consider how their close circles would react to an HIV diagnosis.

• If most people in one's circle are likely to judge or not provide support, this stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help or disclosing their status.

Consequences of Delayed Diagnosis

• Pedrano Flores asks about the impact of delayed diagnosis on treatment; the response highlights that it varies based on the virus's aggressiveness.

• In Mexico, while the HIV strain is less aggressive, other regions face more severe strains that can lead to rapid deterioration within six months if untreated.

Understanding Viral Load and Transmission

Indetectable Viral Load

• Dayana Pérez questions why someone with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV. The answer assumes adherence to treatment.

• Antiretroviral medications alter the virus's ability to attach to cells and integrate into DNA, significantly reducing transmission risk when viral load is low.

Asymptomatic Nature of HIV

• A question arises regarding why some individuals remain asymptomatic for years; variability in biological responses is noted as a key factor.

• Viruses adapt over time, creating ecological niches that allow them to evade detection within hosts, contributing to prolonged asymptomatic periods.

Pharmaceutical Composition and Treatment Insights

Treatment Components

• A query about the pharmaceutical composition for treating HIV leads to a discussion on various antiretroviral drugs like tenofovir.

• These medications work at different stages within the virus lifecycle, preventing it from binding or integrating into host DNA.

Trends in Sexual Health During COVID-19

Increase in Infections

• The speaker notes an unexpected rise in infections during COVID lockdown periods, questioning behaviors during confinement.

• Emphasis is placed on adolescent sexual health trends; increased infections highlight changing attitudes towards sexuality compared to previous generations.

Importance of Safe Practices

• There’s a call for awareness around contraceptive use, particularly condoms, as essential tools for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• While condoms do not guarantee 100% protection against all STIs, they remain crucial for reducing risks associated with sexual activity.

Importance of Responsible Sexual Behavior

Recommendations for Sexual Relationships

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of using condoms to prevent unwanted situations in sexual relationships.

• It is advised that individuals should postpone the initiation of sexual relationships until they feel ready, highlighting that this decision should be personal and not influenced by adults.

• The discussion includes a call for self-responsibility, stressing the need for adequate information to navigate sexual situations effectively.

Acknowledgments and Contributions

• Gratitude is expressed towards Carlos Andovar, an expert in sexuality topics, for his participation and insights during the workshop.

• Thanks are also given to Dr. Daniel, who coordinates the morphology and physiology department, acknowledging their contributions to the workshop on sexuality.

• The speaker appreciates technical staff for their support in facilitating the event's transmission, noting challenges faced at the beginning but ultimately resolved due to their expertise.

Audience Engagement

• Acknowledgment is made to the audience listening via YouTube, with appreciation extended for their participation which makes such discussions possible.

• The speaker mentions reaching international audiences on occasions, indicating a broader impact of these discussions beyond local settings.