HIV infection in times of pandemic: many setbacks, countless challenges

Abstract

Since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, countless consequences have been described regarding HIV infection in Chile, both in its diagnosis and prevention, mainly manifested in the decrease in serological tests, the interruption of care, the delay in starting antiretroviral therapy, and the lack of access to preventive methods. Added to this is the deterioration in some conditions related to social aspects and mental health. All this implies, among other consequences, a probable worsening in the epidemiological situation of HIV infection in Chile. Some of the designated impacts are reviewed in this article, and some challenges are raised to confront this problem.