Women: A Fundamental Group in HIV Prevention and Treatment Strategies
It was in 1981 that what we now know as HIV was first officially reported. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report in their journal, the *Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report*, which described the cases of five young gay men in Los Angeles, California, suffering from an unusual form of pneumonia.
This report marked the beginning of the recognition of the disease that was erroneously linked exclusively to the gay community. However, subsequent studies indicate that the virus emerged in Central Africa around 1920, although it was not detected until 1981 in the United States. During the 1980s, HIV prevention was grounded in fear, invisibility, stigma, and uncertainty. As a relatively new virus, it was perceived as unknown and confined exclusively to marginalized groups. A perception that fueled severe discrimination and hindered public health initiatives. This, in turn, triggered significant shifts in social attitudes and behaviors toward homosexuals, hemophiliacs, intravenous drug users, and Haitians.
Since the cause of the virus was unknown, and it was not yet understood how it was transmitted, it could not be prevented. Subsequently, the focus shifted to risk reduction, promoting the use of condoms, reducing the number of sexual partners, and providing education regarding the risks associated with sharing needles. It was not until 1985 that the first test for detecting HIV was approved. Then, in 1987, the first antiretroviral medication was introduced; although it later proved to have side effects and the virus developed resistance to it, it marked the beginning of the ability to treat the infection.
Furthermore, during the early years following the identification of the virus, women were considered to be at lower risk; this resulted in a lack of research, diagnosis, and timely care. Underscoring both gender inequality and the struggle for access to healthcare. Women were often singled out regarding mother-to-child transmission of the virus. Over time, however, it became evident that HIV is also sexually transmitted to women, and that they actually face a higher risk of acquiring the virus due to biological factors, such as greater mucosal exposure. Consequently, it became a “silent epidemic” in many regions, most notably in Latin America.
With the development of antiretroviral medications, the likelihood of transmission during pregnancy has dropped to less than 1% provided that appropriate treatment is received, making this area a major public health success and serving to empower women’s rights.
In the 1990s, combination therapy was introduced, which notably reduced mortality rates. This marked a drastic evolution in HIV prevention, shifting the approach from one of fear and stigmatization to highly effective scientific strategies such as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) in 2010, and subsequently PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) which serve to prevent infection prior to exposure. Their use is as simple as taking daily pills or receiving bimonthly injections, as guided by medical instructions and ongoing monitoring.
Today, although women account for a smaller percentage of new diagnoses in some countries, the fight persists against stigma and gender inequality, and to ensure universal access to prevention. Women continue to fight for control over their own bodies and for access to sexual and reproductive health as part of their struggle against HIV.
Vanessa Guzman
Hello! My name is Vanessa. I have a degree in Education and I love art, history, writing, reading, music, nature and human relations. I really enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and friends. My greatest passion is colors and their mixtures. The constant goals in my life are to learn, travel, fill our planet with plants, create happy childhoods and sow smiles in hearts.
