Early testing for HIV could save many lives in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the Pan American Health Organization.
About one-third of people with HIV in the region find out too late, when their immune system is already badly damaged. PAHO is calling on countries to expand testing, treatment, and prevention so people get care before the disease becomes advanced.
The message comes before World AIDS Day on 1 December. PAHO says early diagnosis, starting treatment right away, and giving full care are essential. These steps can prevent severe illness, save lives, and reduce stigma.
In 2024, about 2.8 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean were living with HIV. New infections fell by 21% in the Caribbean since 2010, but rose by 13% in Latin America. AIDS-related deaths dropped from 42,000 to 27,000 in Latin America and from 12,000 to 4,800 in the Caribbean.
PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said the region has made progress, with wider access to long-acting medicines and simpler treatments. But he warned that 38,000 people in the Americas still die every year from HIV-related causes. He said every number represents a real person and a life cut short.
About 14% of people with HIV in Latin America and 15% in the Caribbean do not know they have the virus. This means that more than one-third of diagnoses happen too late, increasing the risk of infections such as tuberculosis, cryptococcosis, and histoplasmosis. PAHO says countries need to expand screening and start treatment as soon as someone tests positive. They also encourage offering PrEP and PEP to people who test negative but may be at risk.
New long-acting prevention shots, such as lenacapavir given every six months, could expand options and support HIV elimination. Modern treatments are very safe and effective, and they can reduce the virus to undetectable levels. When this happens, the virus cannot be passed on through sex.
Dr. Barbosa said the region must widen diagnosis, increase access to PrEP, and make sure treatments are used in the best way to save lives and improve quality of life.
With support from Unitaid, PAHO is running a regional project to reduce deaths from advanced HIV disease. The project strengthens data collection, introduces new tests for key infections, and promotes fair access to treatment for opportunistic infections.
This year’s World AIDS Day theme is “Zero AIDS Deaths by 2030”. The campaign focuses on advanced HIV disease, the stories behind the numbers, and the need for a shared effort to reach elimination by 2030.
A virtual event will take place on 5 December to launch the Regional Alliance for Ending AIDS in the Americas. This new alliance will connect governments, communities, international agencies, and leaders to speed up innovation and progress.
Source: PAHO
