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Pedro López, director of the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center, announced that the association he leads now offers free rapid testing for the detection of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, specifically syphilis and Hepatitis C. The announcement took place during a press conference for activities scheduled around World AIDS Day, which is commemorated internationally every December 1st since 1988.
In the past, users of the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center could access rapid tests through a recovery fee intended to cover the cost of supplies. Thanks to a partnership agreement with the Jalisco State Health Secretariat (Secretaría de Salud del Estado de Jalisco), people can now benefit from this service completely free of charge while supplies last.
“We are committed to continuing the fight against HIV. Anyone can access them, even if they are not a member of the LGBTQ+ community. They can come to the doors of the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center and we will offer them the free tests,” stated Pedro López.
This initiative aligns with the call presented by UNAIDS this year, which urges countries worldwide to transform and intensify their HIV response programs and increase funding to meet the goal of achieving zero AIDS-related deaths by 2030.
The Vallarta Gay Community Center also offers other services, including HIV prevention strategies like PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) treatments, subject to a medical evaluation.
It also offers community activities such as English classes, yoga, dance, and support groups for the trans and seropositive communities. The center is located at Morelos #101 Local 3B, Centro (above the Santander bank), and operates Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For more information, follow their Facebook and Instagram profiles.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
