Urgent protests against the dismantling of key public health departments.

On Tuesday, January 14, the Ministry of Health of the Nation was the scene of a significant protest where hundreds of people, grouped in patient collectives, civil society organizations, and scientific societies, gathered to express their rejection of the recent resolution that dissolved fundamental departments for public health in Argentina. The protesters, who carried signs and shouted slogans, demanded an urgent meeting with Minister Mario Lugones to discuss the consequences of resolution 1138/24, which has dismantled the departments of HIV, tuberculosis (TB), leprosy, hepatitis, and other pathologies. The letter presented by representatives of these groups not only requests the revocation of the resolution but also raises the need to ensure compliance with a court ruling that orders the regularization of medication delivery to cancer patients and those with rare diseases. This situation has become critical, as interruptions in medication supply have resulted in the deaths of at least 60 people since the beginning of 2024, according to reports from the Federation of Health Professionals of the Argentine Republic (Fesprosa). The epidemiological data supporting the demands is alarming. In the past year, tuberculosis cases have increased by almost 12%, and more than 470,000 Argentinians live with hepatitis B or C, most of whom are unaware of their diagnosis. These numbers highlight the severity of a public health crisis that calls for an immediate and robust response from the State. The dissolution of the infectious disease coordination units not only contravenes commitments made by the country, such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the targets set by the World Health Organization, but also represents a setback in the health system's capacity to ensure universal access to diagnostics and treatments. The signing organizations emphasize the importance of the dissolved units, which have been pillars in the articulation of public policies and have enabled compliance with international commitments. Law 27.675, which establishes the need for a comprehensive response to these diseases, is challenged by decisions that dismantle the necessary structures to address these health issues. In this context, the protesters insisted on the urgency of establishing dialogues with the minister to assess the risks of the decisions made and to discuss strategies that protect public health. The dissolution of the National Directorate of Direct and Compensatory Assistance (DINADIC), created to support people in situations of social vulnerability, further exacerbates the situation. Services that previously operated for the benefit of patients are now paralyzed, exposing the population to a greater risk of diseases and complications. The government's response to the situation has been questioned by multiple organizations, warning that the lack of management and attention to health issues is an indicator of an approach that could neglect public health. The decision to close key departments and dissolve support organizations is seen as a maneuver to evade responsibilities, leaving thousands of people without access to essential medications. María Fernanda Boriotti, president of Fesprosa, noted that "the way the national health ministry is being managed by the government reflects an intention for each province to manage its health problems in isolation," which could lead to disparities in access to treatments and medical care. This is further exacerbated by the budget cuts that provinces are facing, making their response capacity even more difficult. The united voices at Tuesday's protest remind us that health cannot be subject to cuts or dismantling. On the contrary, it is imperative to reinforce health policies that protect the lives and rights of the population. The joint declaration, backed by six thousand citizens' signatures, resonates as a call to action, demanding a firm and sustained commitment from the State in the fight against preventable and treatable diseases. As the country faces this crisis, the medical community and patient organizations continue to advocate for an approach that prioritizes public health and the dignity of all people. The urgency of open and constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Health becomes essential to ensure that future decisions not only align with citizens' rights but also promote a robust and effective health system capable of facing current challenges and those to come. The nation's health is at stake, and it is crucial that leaders heed the call of those fighting for equitable and quality access to medical care.