Mexico City hosted the "VIHDA, VIHSIÓN, VÍHNCULOS for Positive Actions" regional meeting, addressing the growing challenge of HIV/AIDS. The event, held on December 1-2, brought together leaders, experts, and civil society representatives to devise effective strategies for the most vulnerable populations.
The event commenced with a photographic exhibition showcasing stories and faces of the community's response to HIV, fostering a space for reflection and awareness. On the first day, coinciding with World AIDS Day, a symbolic act took place where the Senate of the Republic was illuminated in red, reaffirming its legislative commitment to the fight against HIV.
The second day's activities began at the Secretariat of Foreign Relations (SRE), continuing the HIV/AIDS discussion. During the "Hablemos de VHÍNCULOS" panel, the Director General of CENSIDA, Dr. Juan Luis Mosqueda Gómez, stressed the importance of national HIV prevention guidelines currently under final development. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive response that addresses not only prevention and diagnosis but also the treatment and ongoing care for people living with HIV.
Dr. Alicia Piñeirúa Menéndez from CISIDAT presented her "Cara a Cara" research. This innovative approach uses in-person testing and telecounseling to improve access to HIV services in hard-to-reach areas of the Mexico and Toluca Valleys. Over 18 months of fieldwork, nearly 3,000 people were tested for HIV, with approximately 30% taking a test for the first time. The prevalence of reactive cases was 2.5%, with higher rates among transgender women and cisgender men who have sex with men, highlighting the urgency of early detection.
Implementers shared testimonials on the positive impact of their interventions. Gerardo García González from "Vivir, Participación, Incidencia y Transparencia A.C." recounted how many people still fear testing due to stigma. Brittany Dávila Gregorio from "Colectivo Trans por la Libertad al Derecho a Ser y Decidir A.C." also highlighted the importance of peer support.
Senator Octavio Alberto Coutiño Niño, Technical Secretary of the Health Commission, presented alarming figures: 40.8 million people are living with HIV worldwide, and Mexico has recorded 187,596 cases since 2014, with 16,323 new diagnoses in 2025, over 98% of which are attributable to sexual transmission.
Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights of the SRE, Enrique Javier Ochoa Martínez, emphasized the need to increase investments in HIV-related services, warning that international funding could decrease by 30-40% compared to 2023.
Senator Jaime G. López Vela, President of the Diversity Commission, called for constitutional reforms to guarantee equality and non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. He also announced that the 2026 federal budget will include specific actions for sexual diversity.
The event concluded with a call to action, urging all attendees to carry the discussed messages and proposals to their respective communities and spheres of influence, ensuring a firm and active commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
"The key is to work together, listen to the communities, and adapt our strategies to their realities," affirmed one of the participants.
