AIDS: West and Central Africa still has gaps to correct in its response

The regional HIV summit in West and Central Africa is organized in Senegal, from October 31 to November 2, 2021. ASSOCIATED PRESS - M. Lakshman

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2 min

The regional HIV summit in West and Central Africa opened on Sunday October 31 in Dakar and will last until November 2.

Organized by UNAIDS and the Civil Society Institute against HIV, the objective of this summit is to discuss the gaps in the response to AIDS specific to this region, which represents 8% of the world population, but close to 13% of people living with HIV.

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With our correspondent in Dakar,

Théa Ollivier

In the West and Central Africa region, only 35% of children infected with HIV are on antiretroviral therapy.

There is therefore an emergency, Fodé Simaga alert from UNAIDS, which also raises the issue of mother-to-child transmission: 

The positive test of the pregnant mother is done quite well.

On average, 74% of positive women are put on treatment.

But during their pregnancy, only about 17% are completely suppressed.

As soon as you stop treatment, in the weeks that follow, you have a rise in viral load and you become contaminated.

16% of women are infected by breastfeeding.

 "

► Also to listen: Fight against AIDS: delays in “West and Central Africa” for Matshidio Moeti

Regional AIDS Summit in West and Central Africa @abdioufsarr, #MSAS "In the response to HIV / AIDS, the global trend that has emerged is reflected in the considerable progress recorded in many countries, particularly in what concerns the "THREE 95" pic.twitter.com/m5aF3SjL1h

- Ministry of Health and Social Action SEN (@ MinisteredelaS1) October 31, 2021

To make up for this delay, the solution is to seek out people at risk, who are often vulnerable, in the field.

Daouda Diouf is the director of the Institute of Civil Society of West and Central Africa, which brings together 140 associations from the region:

“ 

There is a need for better collaboration between government health systems and civil society actors who are in contact with the population and have detailed knowledge of socio-cultural and local realities.

Civil society actors have developed messages to remove taboos and direct the populations who need it most to screening and care structures.

 "

Fourteen health ministers gathered around the table with civil society organizations. 

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  • Senegal

  • AIDS

  • Health and medicine