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During the 79th Annual Public Health Meeting, a crucial new project was unveiled in Puerto Vallarta: “Self-Test: HIV Detection and Prevention from Home.”
The initiative, presented by the Health Research Consortium with the participation of CODISE A.C. and MOVii México, is designed to enhance HIV detection and streamline access to health care through innovative digital and community-based strategies.
The project targets individuals who, due to various factors such as rigid schedules, limited accessibility, or lack of cultural representation in existing services, do not regularly utilize public health centers or civil society testing services.
The intervention is being rolled out as a pilot study in the states of Jalisco and Yucatán. It primarily targets users of dating apps who report having engaged in condomless sexual practices and have not previously taken an HIV test. The overarching goal is to expand early detection, provide necessary support, and strengthen the sexual health care network.
The strategic ally for outreach is the dating app Grindr, which will actively promote access to free and confidential HIV self-tests. These kits are available through the website www.vinculoseguro.org and are accompanied by remote tele-counseling and follow-up support for medical or community linkage, depending on the result.
Addressing a Critical Public Health Gap
Official data reveals a significant public health challenge: between 35% and 45% of people living with HIV in Mexico are unaware of their status. Puerto Vallarta currently holds the second-highest number of cases in the state, trailing only the Guadalajara metropolitan area. Current active case figures show 1,143 registered with the IMSS and 2,972 with CAPASITS.
The Self-Test project directly aligns with the UNAIDS 2030 global objectives, which strive for zero AIDS-related deaths and the achievement of the 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people with HIV know their status, 95% of those are on treatment, and 95% achieve viral suppression.
This critical intervention is the result of a powerful collaboration among national and international organizations dedicated to the HIV response, including AHF México, Gilead, ViiV Healthcare, Grindr, Fundación México Vivo, Mesón A.C., Una Mano Amiga, and CODISE A.C. This multi-sectoral alliance integrates medical expertise, community outreach, and technological tools to bring HIV detection closer to more people in the comfort and security of their homes.
With this initiative, Puerto Vallarta cements its status as a pioneering city in digital and community-based innovation for HIV prevention and detection, fostering a robust collaboration between civil society, health institutions, and technological platforms.
Councilwoman Criticizes Veto of HIV Prevention Council
The launch of the self-testing project comes just days after the Regulations Commission of the Puerto Vallarta City Council voted against creating the Municipal Council for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Response (COPRESIDA). COPRESIDA was intended as a technical, civic, and community mechanism to coordinate crucial prevention, detection, and education efforts.
Councilwoman Melissa Madero publicly expressed her dismay and rejection of the decision via social media.
“This decision comes at the absolute worst possible time. Mexico is experiencing a historic rebound in HIV cases,” Madero stated. “Between January and September of this year alone, 12,088 new diagnoses were registered, already surpassing the total reported in all of 2024. Today, over 313,000 people live with HIV, and more than 5,149 Mexicans died from related causes last year.”
The councilwoman characterized the denial of COPRESIDA’s creation as a “grave mistake” for a destination like Puerto Vallarta, which is defined by high mobility, a large young population, and thousands of weekly visitors.
“As a councilwoman, I will continue to insist, and I will continue to build with civil society, specialists, and every person who understands that life and health should never be politicized or postponed,” she concluded.
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