HIV/AIDS

While the incidence of HIV/AIDS in Baja California Sur is lower than Baja California to the north, the disease is a growing problem across the state.  In 2003, the number of men dying of HIV/AIDS in Baja California Sur exceeded the national average.  Among women dying from HIV/AIDS, Baja California Sur had the highest incidence rate in Mexico.[1]

The stigma of HIV/AIDS in the state has resulted in a backlash against lifestyles popularly associated with the illness, such as homosexuals.  Unfortunate consequences have resulted including, denial of medical services and unjustified firings of people infected with the disease.  This situation complicates the delivery and potential impact of awareness and prevention campaigns, though a concerted effort has not been made to educate the public about the disease.  The “safe sex” campaign encouraging the use of condoms has not had the desired result, and transmission rates continue to rise annually.

he primary means of infection are 92.7% sexual transmission and 6.4% intravenous transmission.  Interestingly, the most vulnerable groups are not necessarily homosexuals and drug addicts – statistics show almost 29% of sexually-transmitted cases are heterosexual.[2]  Additionally, pediatric AIDS remains a problem.