STI Rates Rise in Argentina, Sparking Public Health Concerns

Buenos Aires, Argentina – A significant increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and hepatitis C, is raising alarms among public health officials and organizations in Argentina. Despite readily available information on STI prevention, experts emphasize the critical need for comprehensive sexual education to curb transmission rates across all age groups.

Growing Demand for STI Testing and Treatment

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Argentina, a leading organization in HIV/AIDS prevention and STI care, reports a surge in demand for testing and consultations at its three community centers in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mar del Plata. AHF Argentina began operations in November 2012 and quickly made an impact, setting a Guinness Record by performing 3,723 rapid HIV tests in eight hours with partner organizations in Rosario [1]. Currently, AHF Argentina serves over 40,000 clients through 11 clinics and community centers.

In Buenos Aires, AHF conducts approximately 40 tests daily, Monday through Friday, from 12 PM to 8 PM, and monitors 600 HIV-positive patients. In 2024, nearly 10,000 consultations were related to STIs, resulting in 80 new HIV diagnoses. Rosario saw over 6,000 consultations in 2025, with around 25 tests performed daily and 300 patients in follow-up care. Demand in Mar del Plata is rapidly increasing.

Syphilis Cases Reach Historic Highs

The latest data reveals a concerning trend: syphilis cases in Argentina have reached their highest levels since official records began. In 2024, 36,917 cases were reported, a 38.5% increase compared to 2022 [3]. Preliminary data for 2025 indicates a further 20.5% increase, potentially establishing a new record. The national notification rate has risen from 56.1 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019 to 93 in 2024, a 65.8% increase.

A significant proportion of cases – 76% in 2025 – are occurring in individuals aged 15 to 39, with the highest rates observed in the 20-24 age group (228.2 per 100,000 inhabitants).

Reinfection is a growing challenge, with 28% of syphilis cases in men representing reinfections [3].

Late HIV Diagnoses and the Importance of STI Screening

AHF Argentina is also observing that many individuals are being diagnosed with HIV at a late stage of infection, with almost 50% of newly diagnosed patients exhibiting a low CD4 cell count, indicating they have been living with the virus for years. This often correlates with a history of untreated STIs. Early STI detection is crucial for timely HIV diagnosis and treatment.

AHF provides rapid HIV and syphilis testing at all consultation points. The organization also facilitates access to antiretroviral therapies and other STI treatments provided by local Health Ministries.

The Need for Comprehensive Sexual Education and Prevention

Miguel Pedrola, Scientific Director of AHF for Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasizes the lack of open discussion about STIs and the importance of comprehensive sexual education. “We never talk about STIs,” he stated. He advocates for integrating sexual education into school curricula, similar to teaching basic life skills like walking and eating.

Pedrola also highlights the need for increased condom use and improved access to condoms, advocating for wider distribution beyond healthcare settings. He notes that a lack of public policies supporting sexual education and condom access is contributing to the problem.

Under-Reporting and Reaching Vulnerable Populations

AHF believes there is significant under-reporting of STIs in Argentina, hindering a complete understanding of the epidemic. The organization works with NGOs to reach vulnerable populations, including sex workers and people who use drugs, who may avoid or have limited access to the traditional health system. They are expanding screening to include partner notification, offering testing to individuals identified through diagnosed patients.

AHF is also working with communities in remote areas, such as Mapuche villages and Guaraní communities, where syphilis prevalence can be high.

Looking Ahead

Addressing the rising STI rates in Argentina requires a multi-faceted approach, including strengthened public health strategies, increased investment in sexual education, improved access to testing and treatment, and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations. Early detection and prevention remain the most effective tools in controlling the spread of these infections.