He HIV still is health priority in Spain. Although advances in treatment have been noticeable since the first cases were diagnosed four decades ago, the country continues to report more than 3000 new diagnoses per year. In 2023, according to the Epidemiological Surveillance Report published by the Ministry of Health, 3196 cases were identified, of which almost half (48.7%) were late. Such a delay in diagnosis more common in people over 50 years of age (61.5%) and in heterosexual transmissions that involve 57.8% men and 53.5% women.
Late diagnosis not only delays the start of treatment, but also makes it difficult to achieve an undetectable viral loadwhich eliminates the possibility of transmission of the virus. Given this situation, the SEIMC Group on AIDS Research (GeSIDA), a coalition of infectious disease experts, called on health authorities strengthen prevention and early diagnosis strategiesin addition to combating HIV-related stigma, which is a major barrier to its control.
In particular, on the occasion XV National Congress GeSIDA
The main scientific meeting on HIV held in Spain and one of the most relevant on the European continent, the SEIMC (Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology) AIDS Research Group calls on health authorities to take more ambitious measures to promote better prevention and early diagnosis new cases, avoiding any type of stigma or discrimination that becomes an obstacle to better control of the virus.“At GeSIDA we call for the expansion and generalization of the test as a more effective measure”
“The great Achilles heel of the fight against HIV in Spain continues to be prevention and early diagnosis. Given this reality, at GeSIDA we call for the expansion and generalization of testing as a more effective measure,” he emphasizes. GeSIDA President, Dr. Rosario Palacioswho is also in charge of the infectious diseases department of the Virgen de la Victoria Hospital in Malaga. The rate of new HIV diagnoses in Spain is similar to that of other Western European countries, although higher than the European Union average. They are supposed to live in Spain between 130,000 and 160,000 people are infected with the virus.
GeSIDA also emphasizes the importance of training both the general population and health care providers who do not work directly with people living with HIV, such as primary care physicians. To do this, they developed tools such as “Document on joint management of patients with HIV infection between primary and hospital care”in collaboration with SEMFYC, to improve coordination between different levels of care.
Among the measures proposed by GeSIDA to improve the fight against HIV are removing barriers to access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), early diagnosis and treatment, and strengthening continuity of care, especially for vulnerable groups such as migrants. They also insist on address the rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people
and risky sexual practices by improving surveillance and communication. In addition, there is a need to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of HIV-related coinfections.DEMAND FOR INFECTIOUS SPECIALISTS
The most important aspect of solving these problems is the creation Specialty “Infectious diseases”a historical requirement in Spain, the only European country without such specific training. This gap is particularly alarming given the impending retirement of a third of the professionals currently treating people with HIV, scheduled for within the next five years. Without adequate generational change, the approach to HIV and other serious infections may be at risk.
Without adequate generational change, the approach to HIV and other serious infections may be at risk.
Within the framework of the XV National Congress GeSIDA Health Minister Monica Garciaannounced that the creation of this specialty will be a priority at the Specialty Working Group meeting scheduled for December. In turn, the President of SEIMC, Dr. Federico Garcia Remember that this specialty is a “historical statement with deep scientific support, as the care of a specialist properly trained in the treatment of severe and complex infections has been shown to reduce patient mortality rates.” “We cannot afford to remain the only European country without this specialty.”
MAIN SCIENTIFIC PHOTO HIV IN SPAIN
The GeSIDA National Congress, which will take place in Zaragoza until this Wednesday, brings together more than 600 national and international experts
analyze progress and challenges in the fight against HIV. According to its presidents, doctors Antonio Antela and Maria Salgado, the meeting also discussed prospects for treating the virus. Key topics include new long-acting treatment options that allow for more spaced treatment, from weekly to annual. Innovative HIV treatment strategies, such as gene therapy and immunotherapy, are also covered, as well as the use of new technologies to better understand the virus and develop more effective interventions against it.Congress not only highlights the achievements made, but also emphasizes the need to continue to invest in research, education and inclusive health policies. Despite progress, HIV remains a global problem that requires a comprehensive approach to ensure equitable and quality care for all affected people.