The Subdepartment of Epidemiology and the Seremi de Salud RM have published a report titled “HIV/AIDS Surveillance – Syphilis – Gonorrhea”, which exposes the figures in the Metropolitan Region from 2020 to 2023. This preliminary information is currently in the notification validation process.
The data showed that, during the four years, In the capital, 6,025 cases of HIV/AIDS were detected, with 85.83% men and 13.99% women, predominating the age group between 30-34 years.
Regarding syphilis, from 2020 to 2023, 7,839 cases were detected, where 72.34% were detected in men and 27.53% in women. As in the previous figures, the predominant age group is 30-34 years.
Finally, In relation to gonorrhea, 793 cases were detected during the last four years. The finding was made with 83% in men and 16.9% in women, with the age group between 20-24 years predominating.
The executive director of Aprofa (an organization that promotes the importance of Sexual Health and Sexual Education in Chile), Débora Solís, states that ”The high numbers of STIs and HIV in Chile are a reflection of the lack of Comprehensive Sexuality Education and State policies that focus on care, prevention and addressing Sexual Health and Reproductive Health as a Human Right”.
He also emphasizes that these figures “do not surprise us, but they do worry us, because In Chile there is a great lack of knowledge on relevant topics within sexual health and reproductive health, causing people to focus mainly on preventing pregnancy and not considering the scope of the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV.”
Likewise, the organization states that It is important to advance legislative projects in relation to Sexual Rights and Reproductive Rights in Chile, such as Comprehensive Sexuality Education, so that people can know, inform themselves and access services where these issues are addressed in a respectful manner. inclusive and stigma-free.
