Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – On December 1, 2022, SETAC (the Solidaridad Ed Thomas civil association) commemorated World AIDS Day with activities from 10 in the morning until after 10 at night.
From early until 5 in the afternoon, the organization carried out HIV detection tests at 111 Proa Street in Marina Vallarta, where a mobile clinic and tents were set up to ensure confidentiality. In addition to HIV tests were done for hepatitis C and syphilis.
Before noon, at the DIF Puerto Vallarta facilities, psychologist Abraham Bahena gave a lecture on the challenges of HIV, PrEP and respect for people’s rights. He was accompanied by the organization’s director, Roberto Ramos.
Later on, doctors Miguel Buenrostro, Alain Hernández, professor Paco Arjona and psychologist Ismael Rossi gave talks to the student community of the University Center of the Coast of the UdG about the challenges of the virus that causes AIDS, the new prevention tools, and the stigma that still persists around HIV.
Subsequently, at the municipal presidency, on behalf of Puerto Vallarta Mayor Luis Alberto Michel, trustee Juan Carlos Hernández and Paco Arjona signed a loan agreement that allows SETAC to use the booth in Lázaro Cárdenas park for health promotion and prevention, as well as outreach with the LGBTIQ+ community, for the next ten years. The signing of the agreement was witnessed by the director of the DIF, Roberto Ramos, and city councilor Candelaria Tovar, president of the health building commission.
Minutes after 6 pm, summoned by COMUSIDA and its manager Asunción Topete, municipal government authorities, organized civil society and the general population, began a walk along the Malecón in commemoration of the people who have lost their lives due to AIDS.
Finally, in Lázaro Cárdenas park, representatives of COMUSIDA, as well as the Secretary of Desarrollo Social, the municipal presidency of Puerto Vallarta and the Solidaridad Ed Thomas civil association established their institutional position. In accordance with the United Nations, they agreed that, in order to reduce the gaps in health and thus effectively address the AIDS pandemic, it is necessary to emphasize social and economic inequalities.
Lastly, at a bar in the Romantic Zone, the Kiki House of Paradise collective performed a ballroom dance demonstration as an act of resistance for 40 years of global response to HIV.
This year, UNAIDS launched the slogan “equality now” as an urgent message for all countries for better response by the government, civil society and the general population to meet the goal of having no AIDS cases by 2030.
Located at Aldanaca 178 4A & 4B, in the Colonia Versalles of neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta, SETAC is a non-profit community and wellness center whose mission is to reduce HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in the greater Banderas Bay area. Free counseling, testing, treatments and referrals for HIV and other sexual transmitted illness are just some of the free services SETAC provides to the entire population, without prejudice or discrimination. For more information, follow SETAC on Facebook, visit the website, call (322) 224-1974 or email contacto(at)setac.com.mx.