Castillejo, second AIDS survivor, defies stigma

Adam Castillejo, a patient who was cured of HIV, became a prominent figure at the 25th International AIDS Conference, recently held in Munich. Nicknamed the “London Patient,” Castillejo not only celebrates his own recovery, but also seeks to change the perception and reality surrounding the disease.

Since his recovery in 2017, Castillejo has positioned himself as a bridge between the HIV-affected community and scientists seeking a universal cure. In his words to RNE, the Venezuelan highlighted the persistence of stigma and misunderstanding about the true nature of HIV, saying it is essential to change the narratives that have dominated for decades.

The conference not only served as a platform for sharing scientific and medical advances, but also to address inequalities in access to treatment. Castillejo advocates for those who cannot access the latest innovations in treatment to be visible, highlighting the urgent need to make these advances possible on a global level.

The treatment that cured Castillejo involved the use of specialized stem cells, an innovation that has raised hopes in the medical community and among those affected by the virus. However, Castillejo also acknowledges that these treatments are not equally effective for everyone, noting the continued importance of research.

New narratives

“My job is to highlight the shortcomings of products that are considered good, and to promote new ideas that eliminate the stigma associated with HIV,” Castillejo said during the conference. The Venezuelan also criticized the limited perception of HIV as a disease associated exclusively with the LGBT+ community, emphasizing its universal nature.

In addition to her activism for equal access and HIV re-education, Castillejo has been vocal about the personal challenges she faced during her own healing. From her diagnosis in 2002 to her cancer survival in 2011, Adam faced adversity that strengthened him and made him even more committed to the cause. @mundiario