Noticias

Given the statements of Bishop Ignacio Gogorza and father Silvio Suarez, citing "the Catholic religion will not change its position despite the changing times and needs to opt for prevention methods" SOMOSGAY calls for a reflection of the public opinion clarifying that the prevention of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, should be supported by a scientific basis of public health principles.

Currently, the best technology available in the country to prevent these infections is the condom. Its consistent and proper use, if necessary accompanied by water-based lubricants, are the best way to prevent any sexually transmitted infection.

It is the responsibility of the State, through its ministries and departments, to provide inputs to prevent in an accessible manner to the entire population, and to ensure access to scientific and age-appropriate information within the education system. The absence of comprehensive health policies and education policies that seek to promote this information has already been subject of punishment to Paraguay by international organizations. Ignoring the responsibility of the Paraguayan State to face these epidemics will only entail unnecessary suffering of thousands of compatriots, including thousands of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 across the country, as told by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare's official data. That's why we reject the interference of the Catholic religion in public policy, recognized by the Director of AIDS Control Program, and urge the Ministry of Health to take a corrective action response to these epidemics as of to have scientific basis and not religious.

Since the emergence of HIV more than 30 years ago, our communities have been the pioneers in giving response, facing an unknown virus and forcing our governments to take responsibility in ensuring the right to health. There are an estimated of over 33 million people living with HIV worldwide, and about 20,000 of them live in Paraguay. 65% of these persons living with HIV in Paraguay do not know their serological status.

Through the Program of Health and Welfare of the Kuimba'e Clinic, our organization has documented this disturbing reality, and requested clear actions by the Paraguayan State. We provide the general public, free of charge, information and supplies needed to prevent and treat HIV, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections.

At the same time, we urge the Paraguayan State to rectify these serious gaps in services and to provide answers to these epidemics, based on scientific evidence to ensure the full enjoyment of the right to health information, as guaranteed by the Constitution and laws, as well as being guaranteed in all international human rights treaties ratified by the Paraguayan State.

We urge the media to join the dissemination of scientific and appropriate information to address the absence of this information in the formal educational spaces.

From SOMOSGAY we consider as highly important all efforts and measures that the State should take to improve the quality of life for all people, without excuse of the full protection and guarantee of human rights, with the highest scientific standard, based on all the available evidence.

All the evidence shows the way that the Paraguayan State should continue so as to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV, especially in the most affected communities. SOMOSGAY firmly believes that the full exercise of a secular state that prioritizes strategies based on scientific, accurate and timely information is the path towards a Paraguay with zero discrimination and zero new HIV and STI cases.