Last year, Madrid carried out 12,000 rapid HIV tests using 57 early detection devices.

The Community of Madrid announced that 12,000 rapid HIV tests were carried out last year using 57 early detection devices. When World AIDS Day is observed next Sunday, December 1, the Madrid community announced that last year it held 12,080 rapid HIV tests and 7,528 syphilis tests through a network of prevention and diagnostic services. Early detection of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (HIV/STIs). In 2024, five new devices were added to this network, bringing the total to 57. On the other hand, these data represent an increase of 5.9% and 0.97%, respectively, compared to 2022.

The Undersecretary of Health, Laura Gutiérrez, referred to these data at the opening ceremony of the 15th anniversary of the Network of Sexual Health Services and Rapid Tests for IVH and other STIs of the Community of Madrid, held at the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital. public.

Immediate, anonymous and free results

According to Gutierrez, “it is very important that the youngest people have access to the right information that will allow them to take action, avoid infections and be warned about the dangers they will face if they encounter certain risky practices.”

The SPDPVIH/ITS program involves 15 public health centers, Sandoval’s monograph and its copy (Sandoval Sur), which has just entered into use at the Fundación Alcorcón public hospital, as well as four mobile units, 18 Health devices from the City Council of Madrid, one from the City Council Council of San Fernando de Henares and 18 NGOs.

Through all of these resources, users can anonymously and free of charge obtain immediate STI results and, if necessary, be referred to health services for treatment and control. They can also receive advice on preventing sexually transmitted infections and, of course, HIV.

Stable HIV trend in the region

The trend of new HIV diagnoses in the Community of Madrid has remained stable since 2020, after declining in previous years. According to the deputy adviser, “Over the past 10 years, 12,146 new cases have been registered, which halves the incidence rate per 100,000 inhabitants. In 2014 there were 18.3 infected, now there are 9.9.“

89.4% of those diagnosed in 2023 are men, and more than 65% are between the ages of 20 and 39. The main route of transmission is unprotected sexual contact.

with a higher incidence in men in whom they are seen with other men. The General Directorate of Public Health also warns that about 40% of positive people are recognized late, and half are already at an advanced stage of the disease.

“While it is true that we have made significant improvements in the HIV situation, we have recorded an increase in the incidence of other STIs,” said Laura Gutierrez, explaining that “e.g. cases of gonococcal infection (gonorrhea) have increased; caused by chlamydia; cases of lymphogranuloma venereum and cases of syphilis“

Increase in risky sexual behavior

“This is the data that worries us and forces us to focus on improving it so that it gets closer to zero every day. Especially considering that we are in in the context of a rise in risky sexual behavior involving injecting drugs, known as chemsex.. A phenomenon for which we have developed a specific strategy in order to combat it,” he added.

This strategy will be reinforced in the next publication Plan for the prevention and control of STIs and HIV in Madrid, 2024–2030.which will cover topics such as emotional-sexual education to maintain safe, respectful relationships and avoid health problems and unwanted pregnancies. This will also include training teachers and outreach to citizens, expanding access to rapid diagnostic tests for early detection, and vaccinations to prevent some of these pathologies.

In this sense Department of Health Coordinated Response to Chemsex Initiative, 2023-2026.with a community intervention service to prevent various infections. In 2023, this Madrid public health resource will serve almost 17,000 men through outreach activities (925 virtually and 15,894 outdoors). In addition, 231 performances were held in nightclubs and places of anonymous sex.

This Sunday, December 1, World AIDS Day is celebrated under the theme “Let’s walk the path of rights.” For this reason, this week the General Directorate of Public Health of the Community of Madrid is holding various information events using rapid tests, information tables and classes for specialists.

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