"Forty years of HIV: advances in treatments and the fight for awareness."

Four decades after the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the fight against acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains a significant challenge for public health, both in Mexico and around the world. Despite advancements in antiretroviral treatments, the lack of a cure and an effective vaccine continues to impact the lives of millions of people. According to data from UNAIDS, around 40 million people worldwide are living with this infection, and it is alarming that a significant percentage are unaware of their status. In Mexico, the situation is no different, with approximately 13,000 new AIDS cases registered each year, according to the National Council for the Prevention and Control of AIDS (CONASIDA). Although free antiretroviral treatment is offered at specialized centers such as the Condesa Specialized Clinic, many individuals seek medical attention in the advanced stages of the disease, complicating their treatment and reducing their life expectancy. Researcher Leonor Huerta Hernández from the Biomedical Research Institute of UNAM explains that HIV infection is chronic and asymptomatic in its early stages, leading many people to ignore their health status. This ignorance is critical, as those who begin antiretroviral treatment in advanced stages of infection face a significant reduction in their life expectancy. Early detection testing is essential to change this narrative and provide those infected with the opportunity to live with an undetectable viral load. HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, but it can also be acquired through contaminated blood transfusions or from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth. While the prevalence of infections has increased among heterosexual men and women, the LGBTQ+ community remains one of the most affected. The epidemic continues to evolve, highlighting the need for greater awareness among the general population about prevention and detection methods for HIV. One of the most complex aspects of treating HIV is its ability to mutate. This virus has three essential enzymes that allow it to replicate within human lymphocytes, and antiretroviral treatments aim to block these enzymes to prevent the virus's multiplication. However, if treatment is interrupted, HIV can quickly resurge, underscoring the importance of ongoing adherence to treatment to prevent the development of resistant strains. Over the decades, there has been a constant effort to develop a vaccine against HIV. However, progress has been limited due to the highly mutating nature of the virus and its interaction with the human immune system. Huerta Hernández warns that when a vaccine is introduced, HIV replicates in the already activated immune cells, further complicating the possibility of developing an effective response. The lack of significant progress toward a vaccine has led many researchers to rethink strategies to combat the epidemic. Education about HIV, promoting safe practices, and providing access to testing are some of the pillars that need to be worked on to reduce the transmission of the virus. Creating an environment of support and understanding is vital for those living with HIV and their families. Despite the challenges, it is important to recognize the advancements made in HIV treatment since its discovery. The possibility of leading a normal and healthy life with the virus is a reality for those who have access to antiretroviral therapy. However, for this to become the norm, it is crucial that access to treatment and education about HIV is universal and not restricted to certain demographic groups. The fight against HIV/AIDS does not stop, and with each passing year, the need for a more comprehensive approach that includes treatment, prevention, and, above all, destigmatization becomes evident. The medical community and activists must work together to ensure that the story of HIV is not one of suffering and loss, but of hope and resilience, building a future in which every individual can live free from this virus.