STI Crisis in Argentina: Rising Syphilis, Late HIV Diagnoses & Declining Condom Use

Sexual health in Argentina is facing a critical juncture, marked by rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and a concerning decline in preventative measures. Recent data reveals a significant increase in both syphilis and HIV diagnoses, coupled with a decrease in condom distribution, raising alarms among public health officials and non-governmental organizations.

Rising STI Rates

The Argentine Ministry of Health recently reported more than 55,000 cases of syphilis in the country, the highest number in the last five years. This represents a 71% increase compared to the period between 2020 and 2024. Simultaneously, HIV diagnoses are also on the rise, with approximately 6,900 new cases reported annually. Alarmingly, 49% of these new HIV diagnoses occur in individuals already presenting with advanced stages of the disease, indicating delays in testing and access to care.

The increase in syphilis cases is particularly striking. Between 2021 and 2023, diagnoses of primary and secondary syphilis nearly doubled. Congenital syphilis, the transmission of the infection from mother to baby, has quadrupled over the last decade, from 0.7 cases per 1,000 live births in 2013 to 2.8 per 1,000 in 2023. A separate report indicates a 20.5% increase in syphilis cases in the first 44 weeks of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, continuing an upward trend.

Decline in Condom Use and Prevention

Experts attribute the surge in STIs to a complex interplay of factors, including a decline in condom use, insufficient sex education and reduced public health initiatives focused on prevention. Studies suggest that only 17% of young people consistently use condoms during sexual encounters. This trend is further exacerbated by a growing prevalence of unprotected sex practices, sometimes referred to as “sexo a pelo,” particularly visible on social media platforms.

The decrease in condom availability is a significant concern. Distribution of condoms by the government to healthcare centers, schools, and other public facilities dropped by 44% between the third quarter of 2023 and the same period in 2024. Distribution of essential testing supplies, including quick tests and reagents for HIV tests, has also decreased.

Delayed Diagnoses and Systemic Challenges

The Argentine healthcare system often operates in a reactive manner, with individuals seeking medical attention only after symptoms develop. This delay in diagnosis is particularly problematic for infections that can remain asymptomatic for extended periods. When diagnoses are delayed, complications increase, transmission rates rise, treatment becomes more complex, and healthcare costs escalate.

Currently, approximately 140,000 people in Argentina are living with HIV. However, 13% of those infected are unaware of their status. A significant proportion – 50% of new HIV diagnoses – are considered “late diagnoses,” meaning individuals are diagnosed when their immune systems are already significantly compromised. Similar delays are observed in the diagnosis of other STIs, such as syphilis, where initial lesions may go unnoticed, allowing the infection to progress.

Consequences of Untreated STIs

Untreated STIs can have severe consequences. In individuals with HIV, a lack of timely diagnosis and treatment leads to progressive immune system deterioration, potentially progressing to AIDS and life-threatening opportunistic infections. Syphilis, if left untreated, can affect the central nervous system, heart, and other organs. In pregnant individuals, untreated syphilis can lead to congenital syphilis, miscarriage, or severe complications for the newborn.

Other bacterial infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can ascend into the female reproductive tract, causing pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to chronic pain and infertility. The human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause precancerous lesions and various cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers.

Addressing the Crisis

Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive and sustained response to address the rising STI rates. Key recommendations include improved sex education, increased access to barrier methods like condoms, expanded access to preventative pharmacological interventions such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP), and enhanced testing and diagnostic services.

Increasing access to testing is crucial. Effective HIV treatment prevents transmission, highlighting the importance of identifying and treating individuals living with the virus before their immune systems become severely compromised. Experts stress the importance of restoring basic preventative practices, such as consistent and correct condom use.

A multi-faceted approach is essential, encompassing sustained public health campaigns, guaranteed access to condoms and free testing, and evidence-based information dissemination. The current situation demands a proactive and coordinated effort to protect public health and prevent further increases in STI rates.