On a crisp October morning in Chilpancingo, the heart of Guerrero, two major public health battles took center stage—one against a resurgent measles outbreak and another in the ongoing fight to prevent breast cancer. The convergence of these crises has placed an intense spotlight on the state’s healthcare system, its leaders, and the communities they serve.
According to a report delivered on October 20, 2025, by Guerrero’s Secretary of Health, Alondra García Carbajal, the region faces a troubling spike in measles cases. As of that day, there were 88 confirmed measles infections spread across nine municipalities, with an additional 208 suspected cases under investigation in six of the state’s seven health jurisdictions. The majority of these cases—both confirmed and suspected—are clustered in the mountainous Montaña region, an area known for its rugged terrain and limited access to medical resources.
Breaking down the numbers, García Carbajal specified that Cochoapa El Grande has the highest concentration, with 34 confirmed cases. Metlatónoc follows with 23, and Tlapa with 15. Other affected municipalities include Alpoyeca (6), Ometepec (4), Acapulco (2), Malinaltepec (2), Zitlala (1), and Tixtla (1). When it comes to suspected cases, the Montaña region again leads with 97, followed by Acapulco (62), Centro (23), Norte (14), Costa Grande (4), and Costa Chica (8). Notably, Tierra Caliente has so far escaped suspicion.
Faced with these numbers, health authorities have swung into action. García Carbajal emphasized the highly contagious nature of the measles virus and issued an urgent plea: "We urge the entire population to immediately visit health units if measles is suspected." She highlighted the state’s rapid response protocol, noting that as soon as a suspected case is detected, epidemiological vaccination rings are set up spanning 24 city blocks around the patient’s location. This containment strategy aims to halt the virus before it can leap into new communities.
Yet, the challenges are not merely epidemiological—they are logistical and social as well. In the remote community of Natividad, an annex of Joya Real in Cochoapa el Grande, the situation is especially precarious. A measles outbreak there prompted school closures, and local authorities expressed frustration at what they saw as a slow response from health officials. García Carbajal addressed these concerns directly, clarifying that in Natividad "there is only one Conafe teacher providing classes, and no formal school exists." She added, "This Monday, another mobile medical brigade was dispatched to Joya Real, as part of our joint efforts with IMSS Bienestar." The deployment of these mobile teams is a lifeline for isolated communities, offering not just vaccinations but also crucial medical care and information.
While the state grapples with the measles outbreak, it is simultaneously mobilizing for a different, but equally pressing, health campaign. On October 21, 2025, Guerrero’s Governor Evelyn Salgado Pineda launched an ambitious new statewide initiative: "Si tú estás bien, todo está mejor" (“If you are well, everything is better”). The campaign, timed to coincide with the International Day of the Fight Against Breast Cancer, is designed to provide comprehensive care and bolster early detection and prevention among Guerrero’s women.
Speaking at the launch event in Chilpancingo’s central square, Salgado Pineda declared, "We want no woman to be left without the opportunity to take care of herself. You are not alone. This government and all of Guerrero are with you. The fight against cancer is also a fight for the right to feel well, to live fully." The event featured a vibrant health fair offering a suite of medical services: Pap smears, breast, pelvic and abdominal ultrasounds, prostate antigen tests, and screenings for human papillomavirus. These services are not limited to the capital; throughout October, government brigades will travel across Guerrero, starting October 27 in San Nicolás, Costa Chica, with a goal of reaching more than 600 people each week.
The campaign’s message is clear: early action saves lives. Salgado Pineda underscored this, stating, "Prevention saves lives. Cancer does not distinguish between ages or conditions, but there is something that can make a difference: acting in time. Taking care of yourself is an act of self-love." The campaign encourages monthly breast self-exams and routine mammograms, practices proven to increase the odds of early detection. According to recent statistics, Guerrero sees over 200 new cases of breast cancer each year, with about 150 women losing their lives to the disease. However, when caught early, breast cancer is curable in up to 95% of cases—a fact that adds urgency to the campaign’s outreach.
Beyond medical services, the campaign seeks to foster solidarity and hope. Survivors like Victoria Gatica shared their personal stories, offering both inspiration and a reminder of what’s at stake. Salgado Pineda also called on men to support the effort, emphasizing that breast cancer prevention is a collective responsibility. "This month, the color pink should flood Guerrero, not just as a symbol, but as a commitment to unity, hope, and joint effort," she said.
The campaign is a collaborative endeavor, drawing on the expertise and resources of the Guerrero Health Secretariat, IMSS Bienestar, IMSS, ISSSTE, the Ministry of Defense, the Institute of Oncology, the State Congress Health Commission, and the Autonomous University of Guerrero. Medical staff, nurses, psychologists, and civil associations are all lending their support, reflecting a broad consensus that public health challenges require united action.
Attendees at the launch included prominent state officials such as Secretary of Health Alondra García Carbajal, the president of the Guerrero DIF System Liz Salgado Pineda, Chilpancingo’s mayor Gustavo Alarcón Herrera, local legislator Beatriz Vélez Núñez, and IMSS Bienestar coordinator Jesús Ulises Adame Reyna. Their presence signaled the political and institutional weight behind the campaign, as well as a shared recognition of the stakes involved.
As Guerrero faces these dual health threats, the stories unfolding in its towns and cities are a testament to both the vulnerabilities and the resilience of its people. The state’s response—swift vaccination campaigns, mobile medical brigades, and a sweeping prevention initiative—offers a blueprint for tackling public health crises in regions marked by geographic and social challenges. The hope is that, with vigilance and solidarity, Guerrero can turn the tide on both measles and breast cancer, saving lives and strengthening the fabric of its communities.