Seven thousand 852 elderly people without social security live in Mexico with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Of them, 7,722 are on antiretroviral treatment and 69 are on prophylaxis.
The states with the highest concentration of older people in treatment are Mexico City, Veracruz, Jalisco and the State of Mexico. Seven out of ten older adults with HIV are men and 90 percent are undetectable, which means they cannot transmit the virus. 30 percent are diagnosed and linked to late care, which makes viral control difficult.
It is essential to recognize the rights of older adults, as well as the development of evaluations, campaigns and care strategies focused on their needs, culturally appropriate with a vision of gender and human rights.
Among the advances promoted since Censida There is the triple optimization of antiretroviral therapy in Mexico, which has allowed older people to obtain better therapeutic options. In this sense, 83 percent of people in that age group receive single tablet treatments with minimal adverse effects and interactions.
68% of older people with HIV have a comorbidity
Likewise, it is essential to understand that older people living with HIV face a number of additional challenges. Cardo-metabolic comorbolities such as hypertension and diabetes are highly prevalent in this population group. In Latin America, 68 percent of older adults living with HIV have at least one comorbidity.
Comprehensive quality care for older people living with HIV must include access to medical services specialized in diseases related to the virus and age. Likewise, it is essential to guarantee the availability of mental health services and psychosocial support.