"20.9% increase in HIV cases in Hidalgo demands urgent actions in public health."

The state of Hidalgo is facing a growing challenge in public health, as 422 new cases of HIV were reported in 2024, representing an alarming increase of 20.9 percent compared to the previous year. This information was provided by the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (Sinave), which also reported that the majority of cases correspond to men, who account for 89.7 percent of the total. The gender disparity in HIV cases in Hidalgo is notable, with 371 diagnosed in men compared to 51 reported in women. This phenomenon not only highlights the vulnerability of certain groups but also underscores the need for more effective prevention and education strategies that address the specificities of the male population. The increase in the number of HIV cases is a significant concern, as the 422 diagnoses in 2024 surpass the 349 cases in 2023 and the 395 in 2022. In light of these numbers, it is crucial for health authorities and public health organizations to redouble efforts to contain the spread of the virus and improve access to treatments and health services. Regarding the clinical stages of HIV, the Sinave report details that, of the 422 diagnosed individuals, 218 were in the first clinical stage, indicating an acute primary infection. This data suggests that many of these individuals may not have been aware of their condition, highlighting the importance of education and awareness about the disease. The other stages reported include 80 individuals in the second stage, 98 in the third, and 26 in the fourth stage, known as AIDS. This breakdown underscores the severity of the situation, as a considerable proportion of individuals have already progressed to more critical phases of the disease. The increase in HIV cases in Hidalgo is also accompanied by a complex scenario regarding other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The Health Secretariat reported that, by the end of 2024, there were 188 cases of acquired syphilis, with a nearly equal distribution between men (102) and women (86). This data reveals that the spread of STIs is not limited to HIV, raising questions about sexual education and access to health services in the region. Additionally, there were 5 cases of congenital syphilis and 8 of chancroid, as well as 44 cases of genital herpes. In terms of more common infections, the figures include 2,498 diagnoses of urogenital candidiasis and a concerning total of 23,427 cases of vulvovaginitis. These numbers emphasize the need for a more comprehensive approach to sexual and reproductive health. Authorities must implement awareness campaigns that not only inform about HIV but also address all STIs in a broader context. Promoting the use of protective methods, as well as access to regular testing and timely treatments, is essential to reducing the rate of infections. Moreover, it is important to foster open dialogue about sexual health in the community, including both men and women equally. Often, the taboos and stigma associated with HIV and STIs deter individuals from seeking medical attention, exacerbating the situation. The increase in new establishments in Hidalgo, which exceed 8,000 since the pandemic, could be an opportunity to integrate more accessible and relevant health services. The connection between the new economic infrastructure and healthcare can be key to addressing these public health challenges and ensuring that all citizens have access to the information and services they need.