The Government of Buenos Aires guarantees analysis for patients with HIV and STIs in light of budget cuts.

In a context marked by the defunding of resources allocated for the care of diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis, STIs, and Tuberculosis, the government of the province of Buenos Aires has decided to guarantee coverage for the necessary tests for patients facing these infections. This decision has been received as a relief by many people living with HIV in Bahía Blanca, as it will allow for the continuity of treatments and proper monitoring of their health. The director of Health Region I, Maximiliano Núñez Fariña, confirmed that the provincial health ministry lifted the restrictions that had been imposed at the national level since last September. This ensures the provision of supplies and reagents necessary to conduct fundamental studies, such as viral load, cytometry, and resistance testing. These analyses are crucial for assessing the health status of patients and effectively adjusting their treatments. The viral load, for example, is a blood test that measures the degree of infection and, based on the results, determines the most appropriate therapy for each patient. Cytometry (CD4), on the other hand, is essential for monitoring the impact of HIV on the immune system, as the virus specifically attacks these cells. The resistance test is vital for identifying which medications will not be effective for the patient, facilitating the personalization of treatment. The budget cuts proposed by the national government in the 2025 Budget Bill had raised significant concern among health professionals, who warned about the severe consequences it could have on the care of thousands of people. In light of this scenario, the provincial government's decision to take responsibility for covering these studies is seen as a necessary and urgent response. Núñez Fariña emphasized that this measure not only involves the provision of supplies but also supports healthcare teams to carry out the tests with the necessary information and resources. This is fundamental, as many patients depend on these studies to maintain a good quality of life. Additionally, the official highlighted the importance of the preventive work being done at the local level. Weekly, health teams travel to different areas of the city to conduct testing and offer informational talks. This outreach to the community has proven effective, as it has allowed for the detection of positive HIV cases that would have otherwise gone undiagnosed. Núñez Fariña also noted a concerning increase in cases of sexually transmitted diseases, a trend that has intensified since the pandemic. This increase has been attributed to a decrease in condom use, not only among teenagers but also among older adults. This situation underscores the need to intensify awareness and education campaigns on safe sexual practices. The province has taken additional measures to improve access to care, such as conducting free and confidential testing at health units and hospitals, without the need for a medical order. This approach aims to break down barriers and ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to access relevant health services in a timely manner. Moreover, vaccination campaigns, such as the HPV vaccine, have benefited over 3,000 people in the city. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to address sexual and reproductive health from a comprehensive perspective, promoting the prevention and treatment of infections. Despite the advancements and provincial efforts, Núñez Fariña expressed concern about the dismantling of preventive programs at the national level. The reduction of resources not only affects health education but also access to treatments that are crucial for the detection and prevention of diseases. Defending access to health and promoting prevention are fundamental aspects that, in this context, must continue to be priorities. With the provincial government's determination to continue supporting those living with HIV and other infections, significant progress is expected in the care and quality of life of millions of people facing these challenges.