Civil Hospital of Guadalajara stands out in HIV care and prevention in the region.

The Civil Hospital of Guadalajara Fray Antonio Alcalde has been at the forefront of care for patients with HIV in the region, providing services to over 4,000 people, a number that includes pregnant women, transgender individuals, and young people aged 16 to 24. The head of the HIV Unit, Luz Alicia González Hernández, emphasizes the importance of specialized care, highlighting that patients receive treatment tailored to their individual needs. This translates into a single daily pill that has been shown to significantly improve the quality of life for those infected. Care for vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant women and transgender people, is particularly crucial. According to researcher Carlo Valentino García y Nuño, approximately 15 pregnant women and over 100 transgender individuals are receiving treatment at the hospital. The possibility of HIV being transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy presents a considerable challenge, but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can substantially reduce this risk. In Mexico, it is estimated that a new person is diagnosed with HIV every 30 minutes. This alarming rate underscores the urgency for increased awareness and education about the disease, as well as the necessity for screening, especially after activities considered high-risk, such as unprotected sex or sharing syringes. Luz Alicia González also emphasizes that all pregnant women should request an HIV test from their doctor, thereby ensuring better monitoring and prevention of transmission to the fetus. Access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is another key element in the prevention strategy. This option, available free of charge at the Civil Hospital, allows individuals at high risk of contracting the virus to protect themselves through daily intake of a pill that significantly reduces the risk of infection. Education about this resource, as well as its availability, is crucial for HIV prevention in at-risk populations. HIV transmission can occur at various stages of pregnancy: gestational, intrapartum, and postpartum. Education about these transmission mechanisms is essential to reduce the risk of the virus being transferred to the baby. It is advisable for pregnant women, regardless of their sexual history, to undergo HIV testing, as this increases the chances of their child being born free from the virus. As science advances, antiretroviral treatments have evolved, allowing diagnosed individuals to live long and healthy lives. With timely diagnosis, life expectancy can extend to nearly 76 years, reflecting a positive shift in the perception and treatment of HIV in society. However, the stigma and myths surrounding the disease still persist, making it difficult for individuals to seek medical care. The efforts made by the Civil Hospital of Guadalajara and other health centers across the country highlight the need for comprehensive and continuous care for HIV patients. This includes not only medical treatment but also psychological and emotional support, which is essential for helping patients cope with the diagnosis and the challenges of living with HIV. The commitment of healthcare personnel in the fight against HIV is unwavering. Ongoing training and awareness about the disease are priorities for those working in public health. As taboos are broken and myths are dispelled, there is growing hope that more people will seek assistance, consequently reducing new infection cases. Collaboration among health institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the community at large will be vital to continue this progress in the fight against HIV. Every individual has a role to play in promoting education and prevention, contributing to a future where HIV infection is not a stigma but a manageable condition that allows individuals to live fully.