HIV testing expands in Paraguay as Oruro reports rising cases

In Paraguay, annual HIV rapid testing increased from 145,711 in 2022 to 371,480 by 2025. This expansion was driven by extending the diagnostic network to 18 health regions and 27 trained hospitals, alongside the introduction of self-testing to reduce stigma. Data from the National Program for the Control of HIV/AIDS and STIs (PRONASIDA) indicates that the median time between diagnosis and starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) is 5.5 days.

Paraguay has also joined a group of 14 countries eligible to acquire lenacapavir, a semi-annual injectable drug for HIV prevention, through an agreement between the Pan American Health Organization and Gilead Sciences. This medication offers an alternative to daily oral PrEP for individuals who struggle with daily adherence.

Meanwhile, in Oruro, Bolivia, the Departmental Health Service (Sedes) reported an increase in HIV cases, with more than 80 detections in the first half of 2026 compared to 72 during the same period in 2025. Health officials have urged individuals exposed to the virus to seek testing and prophylactic treatment within 72 hours.