In a health prevention campaign ahead of the capital's Carnival, the Laboratory team and the STI/HIV/AIDS Program of the Metropolitan Health Region conducted over 100 rapid tests for HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis at Plaza 5 de Mayo. The initiative aims to expand access to early diagnosis, reduce the stigma associated with testing, and promote responsible behavior during the festivities. Authorities insist on condom use and risk reduction. The head of Public Health, Jonathan Guerra, emphasized that one of the main mechanisms of protection is the use of condoms, as well as avoiding risky sexual behavior. «If you are going to have sex with a person whose health status you do not know, the most advisable thing is to protect yourself with a condom,» he stressed. In turn, Yuriseth Nelson, coordinator of the STI/HIV/AIDS Program, reiterated the importance of protection against sexually transmitted infections during celebrations. The Metropolitan Health Region reported 497 new HIV cases by the end of 2025, of which 27 correspond to pregnant women, reinforcing the need to strengthen early detection and sexual education campaigns. Nelson highlighted that these campaigns allow bringing tests closer to the population and combating fear of diagnosis. «You should be more afraid of not knowing your serological status than of the test itself,» she stated.
