The Ministry of Health of Peru announced on March 21 that it is strengthening decentralized actions to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV. This effort includes specialized technical assistance in Comprehensive Care Services across the country.
A technical team from the ministry traveled to the Tumbes region to optimize care processes and ensure more timely, user-centered services. During their visit, specialists conducted technical visits to key health facilities such as Corrales, Zarumilla, Pampa Grande, Zorritos, and the Regional Hospital “José Alfredo Mendoza Olavarría.”
The specialists reinforced guidelines for combined HIV prevention, focusing on access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for key populations and serodiscordant couples. They also promoted the implementation of Technical Health Standard No. 240-MINSA/DGIESP-2026 for the prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections.
Dr. Carlos Manuel Benites Villafane, executive director of the Directorate for Prevention and Control of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Hepatitis (DPVIH), said: “se vienen realizando estas asistencias técnicas a fin de fortalecer y contribuir en la mejora de las atenciones a nuestras poblaciones. A la fecha, ya hemos realizado las visitas a las regiones de Lambayeque, Piura, Cajamarca, La Libertad, así como Lima Región.”
In Tumbes, these interventions aim not only to improve service management but also to promote decentralization toward primary care levels and strengthen collaboration with community organizations involved in the HIV response.
Currently, Tumbes has six health establishments providing antiretroviral treatment—five managed by the Ministry of Health and one by EsSalud—allowing expanded coverage and ensuring continuity of treatment for those who need it.
With these actions, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to continue strengthening its response to HIV by bringing quality services closer to vulnerable populations and reducing gaps in care.
