The Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) has conducted training sessions for employees of affiliated companies on occupational safety, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV/AIDS. The initiative was organized by the Department of Preventive Medicine and the Occupational Safety and Hygiene Section.
More than 200 people participated in these sessions, which aimed to inform workers about minimum standards in health and occupational safety. The goal is to protect workers' lives, safety, health, and integrity, as well as to defend the human rights of people living with HIV.
In Guatemala's department alone, there are 14,140 people living with HIV. Dr. Mynor Mejía Andrade, head of the Occupational Safety and Hygiene Section at IGSS, stated: "These preventive talks aim to raise awareness among workers so that they do not get sick and take actions to avoid infection. We want to create a culture of health and occupational safety for both workers and employers."
During 2024, there were 2,000 new reported infections in Guatemala. Of these cases, 350 involved adolescents and young people. According to IGSS inspector Glendy Barrondo: "It should be noted that the numbers have been increasing, which means more people are getting tested; however, when the virus is detected it is already in an advanced stage. For this reason, timely detection is very important."
The main forms of transmission include blood transfusion, needle sharing, pregnancy, and unprotected sexual relations. At the end of the sessions, participants were reminded not to discriminate against or stigmatize people living with HIV or advanced HIV disease. Respect for confidentiality and physical and psychological integrity was also emphasized.
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