Cuba is implementing a project aimed at investigating the causes of the disease and developing a strategy to reverse the trend

Havana, Nov 22 (RHC) The Cuban health authorities are working to reduce the number of deaths caused by HIV, which is one of the goals of the National Health System.

According to statistics, 182 people died from HIV in 2023, mainly men who have sex with men and members of the transgender community, as reported by the newspaper Granma.

Manuel Romero, head of the National HIV Control and Prevention Program in Cuba, explained at a press conference on World HIV/AIDS Day that the majority of deaths were due to chronic non-communicable diseases.

This is why the island is implementing a project, led by the National Institute of Hygiene in collaboration with Prosalud, which aims to investigate the causes of the disease and develop a strategy to reverse the trend.

Romero explained that efforts are being made to identify as many people living with HIV as possible, along with their contacts, in order to include them in the strategy that is currently being implemented in 41 health facilities across all provinces.

In this strategy, personalized and comprehensive tests are conducted to detect the disease.

When discussing the prevalence of the disease, Romero emphasized that only 0.4% of the population is affected by HIV, with 0.61% being men and 0.18% being women.

As part of the strategy, individuals will receive protection, advice on condom use, counseling for symptoms, and legal assistance specifically tailored to the needs of the transgender community, men who have sex with men, pregnant women, and other vulnerable populations.

By 2030, it is expected that people living with HIV/AIDS will be aware of their status, receive antiretroviral treatment, and ensure early detection of the disease to prevent its transmission. (Source: PL)