Veracruz health activists warn of HIV crisis and medical shortages

Activists from the Grupo Multisectorial en VIH/SIDA have issued an alert regarding the deteriorating state of HIV/AIDS care in Veracruz. The group reports significant deficiencies in the five Ambulatory Centers for the Prevention and Care of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (Capasits), including shortages of doctors, specialized medications, and milk substitutes for patients.

Veracruz currently ranks second nationally in both AIDS cases and new HIV diagnoses, with an estimated 1,800 to 2,000 new infections annually. The group also highlighted critical statistics regarding maternal and child health, noting that the state leads the country in births involving children with HIV and has high rates of HIV among pregnant women.

In regions such as Coatzacoalcos, activists reported that medical staff is insufficient to serve the local patient population. While the state Health Secretariat previously claimed that medications and supplies were available, the multisectoral group is demanding an immediate meeting with health authorities (Sesver) to address these systemic gaps and prevent further epidemiological deterioration.