Mexico City — September 4. Every day, over 1 million new cases of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are reported worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Latin America and the Caribbean, an estimated 38 million sexually active people live with a curable STI — such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis — and many are unaware of it.
September 4 marks World Sexual Health Day, a moment to remember that sexual well-being is an essential component of overall health and public health: it means access to accurate information, friendly and stigma-free services, relationships based on consent, and the possibility of living one’s sexuality in a safe and pleasurable way.
In our region, the challenges are many. Adult syphilis cases increased by 30% between 2020 and 2022; in 2022 alone, there were an estimated 3.36 million cases and 68,000 cases of congenital syphilis. HIV trends remain concerning: in Latin America, new infections increased by 9% between 2010 and 2023, with around 120,000 new infections in 2023. Gonorrhea presents an additional challenge — growing resistance to antibiotics requires stronger efforts in timely diagnosis and adequate treatment. And while evidence shows that Comprehensive Sexuality Education improves knowledge, attitudes, and care practices, its implementation remains uneven and urgently needs strengthening.
“Sexual health is not a luxury; it is a right and a public health necessity. That is why, on this September 4, we call for prioritizing prevention, expanding access to testing and treatment without barriers, ensuring stigma- and discrimination-free environments, and making sure people have the tools and support they need to live their sexuality fully, safely, and with dignity,” said Dr. Patricia Campos López, Bureau Chief for AHF Latin America and the Caribbean.
AHF Services in the Region
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has been working in the HIV and AIDS response since 1987 and now extends its efforts to broader public health issues, with a presence in 45 countries worldwide, including 12 in Latin America and the Caribbean: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and the Dominican Republic.
In the region, AHF offers free HIV testing, counseling, psychological support, linkage to care, and advocacy for all people, regardless of their ability to pay. It also provides free STI care and condom distribution, all in friendly, confidential environments.
