What are the statistics of AIDS is Costa Rica?

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the estimated number of people living with HIV in Costa Rica in 2021 was 15,000. This represents approximately 0.3% of the country's population.

The estimated number of new HIV infections in Costa Rica in 2021 was 500. This is equivalent to an incidence rate of 12 new infections per 100,000 people.

The majority of people living with HIV in Costa Rica are men (68%). The most affected age group is 25-49 years (65%).

The main mode of HIV transmission in Costa Rica is sexual contact (95%). Heterosexual contact accounts for the majority of sexually transmitted HIV infections (75%), while homosexual contact accounts for 18% and injecting drug use accounts for 2%.

Costa Rica has made significant progress in its response to HIV/AIDS. The country has achieved universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), with 95% of people living with HIV receiving treatment in 2021. As a result, the number of AIDS-related deaths has declined significantly in recent years.

Costa Rica is also working to prevent new HIV infections. The country has a comprehensive HIV prevention program that includes education, condom distribution, and voluntary testing and counseling. Costa Rica has also implemented a harm reduction program for people who inject drugs, which includes needle exchange and opioid substitution therapy.

Despite the progress that has been made, there are still challenges to overcome in Costa Rica's response to HIV/AIDS. Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV remain significant barriers to care and support. Additionally, there is a need to improve access to HIV testing and treatment in rural areas.