PAHO and AHF partner to expand STI testing and treatment across Latin America

A new initiative aims to combat the rising tide of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across Latin America and the Caribbean. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) have partnered to bring crucial testing and immediate treatment services directly to primary healthcare centers in ten countries.

This collaboration, formalized during the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro, marks a significant shift from traditional healthcare models. Previously, STI testing and treatment were often confined to specialized hospitals or sexual health clinics. The new approach prioritizes accessibility, integrating services into community-level care to reach more individuals promptly.

Argentina is slated to be one of the first ten countries to implement the program. AHF estimates that expanded testing, including rapid HIV tests, and the commencement of treatment without the need for hospital referrals could be available before the end of the year. Miguel Pedrola, AHF's scientific director for Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighted that this change will expedite STI detection, reduce late-stage HIV diagnoses, and shorten the time between diagnosis and treatment initiation.

Mónica Alonso, head of PAHO's HIV unit, emphasized the urgency of the initiative. "We continue to see too many people who know their diagnosis when the infection is already advanced, which reduces opportunities to prevent serious complications and avoidable deaths," she stated. PAHO estimates that 900,000 people in the region have a positive HIV diagnosis but are not receiving treatment, underscoring the critical need to improve follow-up and access to care.

“

We continue to see too many people who know their diagnosis when the infection is already advanced, which reduces opportunities to prevent serious complications and avoidable deaths. Expanding access to tests and ensuring that people are quickly linked to care and treatment is fundamental to reducing AIDS-related deaths and saving more lives in our region.