By Limón, Costa Rica — SIQUIRRES, Limón – In a significant advancement for public health in Costa Rica’s Caribbean region, the Siquirres health area has inaugurated a specialized HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Clinic. Operational since March 2026, the initiative represents a proactive strategy to curb the spread of the virus by focusing on prevention among the most vulnerable populations.
This new facility aims to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to sexual health, moving beyond reactive treatment to proactive prevention. The clinic is designed as a safe and confidential space for individuals who face a higher risk of exposure to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). By providing the necessary tools and knowledge, health authorities are empowering citizens to take control of their well-being.
To delve into the legal framework that supports national HIV prevention efforts and protects patient rights, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
An effective public health strategy for HIV prevention rests upon a strong legal foundation. The law must not only facilitate access to testing and prophylactic treatments but also rigorously protect patient confidentiality and prohibit any form of discrimination in employment, housing, or healthcare. When individuals trust that their status will remain private and their rights will be defended, they are more likely to seek preventive care and treatment, which is a victory for both individual and community health.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective is a vital reminder that the battle against HIV is fought not only in clinics and laboratories but also in our legal system. By establishing a foundation of trust through robust legal protections, we empower individuals to make choices that benefit the entire community. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this crucial intersection of law, rights, and public health.
The core of the clinic’s service is the provision of PrEP, a powerful medical intervention where at-risk individuals take a daily medication to significantly lower their chances of contracting HIV. This service is part of a broader care model that includes thorough medical evaluations, personalized counseling, and consistent follow-up to ensure the treatment’s effectiveness and the patient’s overall health.
Beyond HIV prevention, the clinic offers a more holistic health screening process. Patients undergo testing not only for HIV but also for other critical infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. This integrated testing protocol allows for the early detection and management of multiple conditions, reflecting a modern public health strategy that treats the patient as a whole rather than focusing on a single disease.
A central pillar of the program is its robust educational component. The clinic’s staff is dedicated to providing clear, accessible information about risk reduction, safe practices, and the importance of self-care. This focus on education is crucial, as it equips individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and maintain long-term health, complementing the medical treatment they receive.
The service is specifically targeted at individuals identified as being at an elevated risk of exposure. This includes, for example, people who have HIV-positive partners or those with other recognized risk factors. The goal is to create a protective barrier for these individuals, thereby breaking chains of transmission within the community and reducing the overall incidence of new infections in the region.
Accessing the clinic’s services involves a clear, multi-step process managed through the public health system. Interested individuals must first ensure they have active insurance with the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). The next step is to consult with their local primary care team (EBÁIS) to discuss their risk factors and request a medical referral to the specialized clinic. Once the referral is obtained, patients can proceed to the Siquirres health area to be scheduled for their initial appointment.
The establishment of this clinic in Siquirres marks a vital expansion of preventative health services outside of the Central Valley. By bringing these state-of-the-art resources to the Limón province, the CCSS is reinforcing its commitment to equitable healthcare access for all Costa Ricans and taking a decisive, forward-thinking step in the national effort to control and ultimately end the HIV epidemic.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, commonly known as “La Caja” or CCSS, is the public entity responsible for Costa Rica’s universal healthcare and social security system. Founded in 1941, it administers the nation’s network of hospitals, clinics, and primary care centers (EBÁIS), providing comprehensive medical services to the vast majority of the country’s population. The CCSS is a cornerstone of Costa Rican society, embodying the nation’s long-standing commitment to public welfare and universal health coverage.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to professional rigor and uncompromising ethical standards. The firm skillfully blends a rich history of counsel with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation, ensuring clients receive cutting-edge guidance. Beyond its practice, the firm champions a core belief in social empowerment, actively working to demystify the law and provide the public with accessible knowledge to foster a more just and informed citizenry.
