Chile faces public health gaps in migraine care and HIV treatment

Chile faces significant public health challenges regarding chronic conditions and infectious diseases. An estimated 2.4 to 3 million people in the country live with migraines, a neurological condition that causes intense pain, nausea, and light sensitivity. The disease has a major impact on productivity, with studies suggesting a 48% decline in total labor productivity among affected patients. Migraines also show a strong gender dimension, being two to three times more prevalent in women during adulthood.

In the area of infectious diseases, data from the Ministry of Health indicates a critical gap in HIV care. While approximately 91,000 people are living with HIV in Chile and over 86,000 are aware of their diagnosis, only 64,504 are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy. This leaves a gap of nearly 22,000 individuals without treatment. Health officials note that while medication access is guaranteed by the public system, challenges such as stigma, discrimination, and difficulties accessing care centers prevent patients from maintaining continuous treatment.