“The objective of this scientific day is to contribute to strengthening knowledge on the management of HIV; promoting best practices in biological monitoring; to the popularization of scientific advances on the epidemic through raising awareness of the rights of those affected”, explained the Minister of Health and Population, Gilbert Mokoki, opening the work.
The communications that punctuated this scientific day focused, among other things, on the epidemiological situation of HIV/AIDS in Congo; rights of people living with HIV/AIDS as well as their biological monitoring; testimonies from people carrying the disease.
The 2023 estimates mentioned by Minister Gilbert Mokoki indicate that around 120,000 people living with HIV, for a prevalence of 3.2%, are aged 15 to 49. “Although the figures show progress in access to treatment with 93% of HIV-positive people having access to antiviral treatment, much remains to be done to reach the first 95% and an undetectable viral load for all,” he indicated.
Regarding the epidemiological situation of HIV in Congo over the last five years, Dr Cécile Laure Mapapa, director of the National AIDS Control Program, indicated that the epidemic is generalized. Carriers and exposed people include homosexuals, sex workers and prisoners. Mother-to-child transmission is estimated at 18%. Pointe-Noire is the most affected department in the country with a prevalence of 5.2% followed by Niari, Pool, Kouilou, Bouenza and Sangha.
Strengthening the quality of care, targeted screening and community engagement are, according to Dr Cécile Laure Mapapa, actions to be prioritized in order to reduce sexually transmitted infections. The identification of people living with HIV, prevention, the fight against stigmatization, and the mobilization of financial resources are among the challenges to be met.
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