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Health advocates and public institutions distributed 500 HIV self-testing kits and administered hundreds of vaccines during a two-day community health fair at Plaza Caracol, organizers said.
The event, held Feb. 9-10, 2026, resulted in 720 vaccines administered, including 280 measles shots, which organizers identified as a priority. Other vaccines included 50 for tetanus, 20 pneumococcal 20-valent doses, 200 influenza shots, 80 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines and 10 HPV vaccines.
In addition, 30 dual rapid tests and 30 hepatitis C tests were conducted. Organizers also provided guidance on the proper use of HIV self-tests.
The health fair was coordinated by Círculo Rojo, with supplies and operational support from CODISE, MOVii and Vínculo Seguro. Collaborating groups included IMSS, PrEP Vallarta, COMUSIDA, the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center, Hospital Vallarta Medical Center, IncluY, La Ruta del Condón and Orgullo Sincrodestino PV, among other organizations.
Alfredo Soria, coordinator of Círculo Rojo, said the effort reflects coordination between community groups and institutions that recognize prevention efforts must reach people where they are.
“Measles vaccination was a priority, but so was timely detection and access to sexual health information,” Soria said.
Víctor Manuel Espíndola, president of MOVii — Movimiento por la Igualdad en México — said the initiative demonstrates how collaboration between civil society and public institutions can expand access to inclusive, barrier-free health services that respect human rights.
Enrique Ortega, coordinator of COMUSIDA, emphasized the importance of maintaining community-based strategies.
“Combined prevention — vaccination, testing and counseling — strengthens the local public health response and brings services closer to populations that often face barriers to access,” Ortega said.
Participating organizations said the event represents a coordinated effort to strengthen prevention, vaccination and early detection, offering free, confidential services open to the public.
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