HIVAIDS IN THE GAMBIA First case reported in
HIV/AIDS IN THE GAMBIA • First case reported in 1986 1988 sero prevalence Study – 1. 7% ٭ HIV 2 1. 6 ٭ HIV 1 0. 1 1991 sero prevalence study – 2. 2% ٭ HIV 2 1. 7 ٭ HIV 1 0. 5 2004 sero prevalence study – 3. 9% ٭ HIV 2 1. 8 ٭ HIV 1 2. 1 1986 – end of 2003 – Over 5000 cases reported ٭ Deaths registered – Over 3000 ٭ Under - reporting • HIV infection in pregnant women 1993/95 ٭ 29670 pregnant women tested ٭ 1. 7% infected with HIV ٭ 168 (0. 6%) HIV 1 ٭ 336 (1. 1%) HIV 2 ٭ 16 (0. 1%) HIV 1 & 2
COMPARING HIV – 1 AND HIV – 2 HIV – 1 Yes HIV – 2 Yes World – wide West Africa • Can cause AIDS • Geographic distribution • Mother - child – transmission • Age peak (yrs) • Prognosis • Average time to death 25% 20 – 34 4% 45 – 55 Always fatal Not always fatal 11 years Much longer
NATIONAL AIDS CONTROL PROGRAMME The first few cases of AIDS were reported in The Gambia in May 1986. Since the advent of the disease in The Gambia, the Government and collaborating partners implemented activities to stem the spread of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections. A Multisectoral National AIDS Committee plays and advisory role with regards policy and strategies for HIV/AIDS prevention and control. The goals of the National AIDS Control Programme are: • The prevention of HIV and other Sexually Transmission Infections (STls). • The reduction of the social and personal consequences of HIV infection to those infected with the virus, those who have already developed AIDS and those affected by it. Within the framework of the National Health Action Plan, the Government seeks to reduce the burden of disease associated with STls and HIV through effective treatment, promotion of safer sex practices and reduction of stigma associated with these infections.
STRATEGIES The following strategies were adopted: • Intensification of IEC on HIV/AIDS/STls. • Wider promotion of condoms. • Provision of safe blood at divisional and central levels. • Mobilisation of specific groups, youths, commercial sex workers and their clients. • Care and support for PLWAs. • Introduction of ARVs. • Prevention of Parent-To-Child-Transmission. • Promotion of Voluntary Counselling and Testing. • Provision of STI care services. • Prevention of HIV transmission through health care setting. • Co-ordination, collaboration and partnership. • Advocacy through opinion leaders.
NATIONAL RESPONSE • National AIDS control Programmes established – 1987. • The President declared war against in November 2000 (NAF). HIV/AIDS • National AIDS council – Chaired by the President. • National AIDS Secretariat established under the office of the president. • Multisectoral response coordinated by NAS. • 1995 HIV/AIDS policy developed, due for review in December.
- Slides: 6