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Barriers to PrEP Access Persist in Puerto Rico

Published Jun 20, 2026 · via El Nuevo Día

Gabriel Fuentes' childhood was marked by fear of HIV, as he grew up watching family members take extreme precautions with an uncle who suffered from AIDS, including disinfecting everything he touched and avoiding physical affection. Fuentes' usual jovial voice becomes somber and hesitant when recalling the affection he was unable to show.

The article hints at the lingering barriers to accessing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Puerto Rico, a medication that can prevent HIV infection. The story suggests that fear, stigma, and potentially limited access to healthcare may be contributing factors to these barriers.

The article is filed under the 'locales' section, indicating a focus on local community issues. While the full article is not provided, the introduction sets a personal and emotional tone, highlighting the human impact of HIV and the importance of addressing access to preventive measures like PrEP.