Situación epidemiológica de VIH a nivel global y nacional: Puesta al día

Abstract

Background: Over the course of the last four decades of global HIV epidemic, significant improvements have contributed to gradually reduce the frequency of new infections and global mortality rates. However, in Latin America particularly in Chile, new infections continue increasing. Aim: This review aims to comprehend the epidemiology today on a worldwide, Latin American, and Chilean scale. Methods: National epidemiology studies and official HIV reports from international and national organizations were reviewed. Results: It is estimated that 39 million people live with HIV worldwide; however, mortality and the incidence of new cases have decreased markedly over the last two decades, associated with an expansion in access to antiretroviral therapy globally. In contrast to the rest of the world, Latin America shows an upward trend in new infections, with Chile registering a 35% increase in new cases over the last 10 years, coinciding with an increase in migratory flows that has occurred throughout the region. Some preventive strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, have been implemented at a slow pace, both globally and in Latin America. Conclusions: The epidemiology of HIV has regional and national characteristics. Specifically in Chile, several factors, including deficits in public prevention policies and recent migratory flows, have shaped our current epidemic. The present challenge must contemplate multisectoral efforts to achieve the UNAIDS objectives during this decade.