SAN LUIS POTOSÍ, Mexico.- 30% of migrants who are on the southern border of Mexico suffer from syphilis or a sexually transmitted disease (STI), according to analyzes carried out by the NGO “Brigada Callejera en Apoyo Elisa Martínez” .
In the midst of an increase in the migratory flow, the organization, concerned about the health of migrants, confirmed that the majority of cases occur among Cubans, according to a report from the agency. EFE.
Cristian Gómez Fuentes, head of that non-governmental organization in the border city of Tapachula, explained to the media that although STIs have increased, the disease that occurs the most is syphilis.
“We are mainly channeling the Cuban population, which is the one that is experiencing syphilis problems the most,” he revealed.
Rosemberg López Samayoa, president of the NGO “A Friendly Hand in the Fight against AIDS,” assured that the outlook is not encouraging, especially due to the transit of young people.
“For this reason, when we have meetings with the COMAR (Mexican Commission for Aid to Refugees) and the National Migration Institute, (we ask) we emphasize that it is necessary for them to get involved in the issues of prevention and the information that is provided to them.” It should be given to these people because there are young people who during their journey have been engaging in sexual practices,” he highlighted.
Monthly, the organization cares for about 400 migrants, among whom they also detect respiratory diseases and fungal infections due to the few cleaning possibilities they have. Sometimes, they remain up to seven days without being able to bathe.
The immigration drama
Diseases, extortion, kidnappings and trafficking are some of the situations that Cubans face in their transit to the United States. From one border to another, exposed to danger, everyone seeks to reach the cities bordering US territory.
While the migratory flow through Mexico increases, Cubans and especially Cuban women are victims of kidnappings and forced labor by organized crime groups.
According to a statement from the State Attorney General’s Office, the Cuban women were part of a group of 25 women, including Venezuelans, Colombians and Mexicans, who were found in a bar located on Isla de Capri Street in the municipality.
2024-03-07 19:25:27
#migrants #syphilis #STDs #southern #border