AIDS-related deaths rise 50% in Apucarana, Brazil

The Núcleo de Aconselhamento, Testagem e Tratamento de Apucarana (Natta) monitors roughly 1,000 HIV‑positive patients across 16 municipalities, with the highest concentration in Apucarana. A recent mortality report shows suspected AIDS‑related deaths increased by 50% in the region, climbing from four cases in the first half of 2025 to six in the same period of 2026.

At the same time, the number of newly identified HIV‑positive tests fell from 18 to 16, an 11% decline. According to Natta coordinator Valentina de Campos Leal, most of the deaths involved patients whose infection was diagnosed only during the hospitalisation that led to their demise, or who were not adhering to treatment. The report urges intensified prevention efforts, including the use of condoms, PrEP, PEP, rapid testing and prompt treatment, to curb a potential resurgence of the epidemic.