STD's in Cuba
Trends in STIs and HIV/AIDS in Cuba: 1990-2023
Between 1990 and 1999, over 123,000 cases of syphilis, 322,000 cases of gonorrhea, and more than 27,000 cases of condyloma were reported. In 1995 alone, it was estimated that between 70,000 and 100,000 people were infected, including cases of acute hepatitis. The gonorrhea rate reached 651.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Cases of sexually transmitted infections decreased after 2010, with the exception of syphilis, which increased from 1,445 cases in that year to 8,298 in 2023.
Since 2014, the Anuario de Salud (ONEI) has not reported cases of condyloma. Between 2020 and 2023, 1,435 people on the island died due to AIDS. A factor that could influence this situation is the increase in shortages, starting in 2019, of all types of products, including condoms.
The data reflects a complex evolution in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections in Cuba. Although there was a general decrease in cases after 2010, the rise in syphilis and deaths from AIDS in recent years highlights significant problems. Factors such as the shortage of essential products, especially condoms, and the lack of transparency in epidemiological surveillance contribute to the issue.
Source: ONEI (Anuario de Salud 2023 y anteriores).
Original article in Spanish: ForesightCuba