The director of the HIV Response Unit of Acción Solidaria pointed out that although it is estimated that there are about 110,000 people with the virus in the country, only 65,500 know their diagnosis. Of them, 55,000 are on antiretroviral treatment, while about ten thousand do not access therapy due to fear, stigma, acceptance process or access difficulties.
In Venezuela, about 40% of people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are unaware of their diagnosis, according to estimates by UNAIDS and the National HIV/AIDS-STI Program of the Ministry of Health.
This was reported by César Pacheco, director of the HIV Response Unit of Acción Solidaria, during an interview with Radio Fe y Alegría Noticias, where he also spoke about the risks generated by limited access to tests and treatments.
Pacheco explained that, although it is estimated that there are about 110,000 people with HIV in the country, only 65,500 know their diagnosis. Of them, 55,000 are on antiretroviral treatment, while around ten thousand do not access therapy due to fear, stigma, the acceptance process or access difficulties.
Despite these obstacles, he highlighted that 87% of those who receive their medication have achieved undetectability, which means they keep the virus under control and can lead a normal life.
*Read also: Every day there are 570 new HIV infections among women between 15 and 24 years old
However, the member of Acción Solidaria warned that the situation is complicated due to the reduction of around 40% in international financing, a consequence of the cut applied by Donald Trump’s administration to global programs linked to HIV.
This decrease, he said, affects humanitarian organizations that work in cascade in the country, especially in the care of key populations such as LGBTIQ+ people, sex workers and drug users.
Pacheco pointed out that in Venezuela the impact has been felt since January, although civil society organizations have been forced to reinvent themselves to maintain their services. He warned that the consequences of this cut will be more evident next year.
On the other hand, he insisted on the importance of getting tested, especially for those who have had unprotected sexual relations or have associated risk factors, such as multiple partners.
He regretted that in public health centers there is “hardly” access to diagnostic tests, which leaves the greatest burden of care on NGOs.
Regarding access to antiretroviral medications, he recalled that the Venezuelan State has not acquired these drugs for years, although it does distribute them. These arrive in the country thanks to the Global Fund.
He explained that those who wish to start treatment must first go to organizations such as Acción Solidaria to get a free test. If the result is reactive and confirmed with a second test, the patient must go to an infectious disease consultation to receive the medical endorsement that will allow them to collect their medications month after month in authorized pharmacies within large health centers.
*Journalism in Venezuela is carried out in a hostile environment for the press with dozens of legal instruments in place to punish the word, especially the laws “against hate”, “against fascism” and “against the blockade.” This content was written taking into consideration the threats and limits that, consequently, have been imposed on the dissemination of information from within the country.
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