HIV infections in Argentina rise as state condom distribution drops, NGO warns

People living with HIV in Argentina are increasingly learning that they have the virus when it reaches more advanced stages, sexual health nonprofit Fundamind has warned. Transmission of HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections is rising, while distribution of condoms has fallen by 44% since President Javier Milei took office, according to a report the organization released for World AIDS Day on Monday. A combination of poor distribution of supplies to prevent infections, later diagnoses, and increased transmission of STIs in general have created a sexual health situation that the organization described as “critical” — one which could have been avoided.  Health ministry data showed there were 6,692 new HIV cases in 2024, meaning more cases are being diagnosed than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Of those patients, 45% tested positive while living through the advanced stages of AIDS, a point at which the immune system has already deteriorated significantly. The figures show “a barrier in access to testing, lack of awareness campaigns and a decrease in state presence regarding prevention strategies,” the report read. The government’s distribution of condoms to healthcare centers, schools, and other public facilities dropped by 44% between the third quarter of 2023 and the same period of 2024, while distribution of quick tests, reagents for HIV tests and other medical supplies has also dropped, the report stated based on health ministry data. A rise in STI infections Health ministry data also shows a steep increase in STIs. During the first 10 months of 2025 there were 36,702 new reported cases of syphilis. That is almost as many as the cases reported throughout the whole of 2024, and up 38% compared with the whole of 2022. Most syphilis infections happened among people between 15 and 34. Fundamind also warned that only 14% of people use a condom during sex, while the figure is even lower among teenagers and young people. People in certain marginalized groups are more likely to become infected and receive their diagnoses late, including LGBTQ+ people, as well as women and young people in poor neighborhoods, the organization added. This reflects reduced access to healthcare services. Stigma against HIV and STIs also discourages people from getting tested. “HIV isn’t just a health issue, it’s also a human rights issue,” Fundamind wrote in the report. According to health ministry figures, another sexual health nonprofit, around 13% of the 140,000 Argentines who live with HIV do not realize they have it. Cover photo credit: Bermix Studio/Unsplash