The march organized in collaboration with the National Council for the Fight against AIDS, Epidemics and Sexually Transmitted Infections (CNLSE) and its partners was motivated by the growing number of new HIV/AIDS infections in Congo which is estimated at ten thousand per year.
On their route, from the Corniche in Brazzaville to Rotary Square, in the commune of Bacongo, delegates from youth associations distributed batches of condoms to passers-by. This gesture also shows their support for vulnerable people and those living with and affected by HIV, and to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS.
“This year, there are more people mobilized for the cause. We can end AIDS with communities in the lead, Congo can put an end to this scourge as a threat to public health by 2030. The Congolese do not know enough about PrEP even though it is there and must continue to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, the product and other infections,” said, anonymously, a delegate from an association. Indeed, PrEP is an additional prevention tool intended for HIV-negative people presenting a substantial risk of exposure to HIV who are not always able to have better protected sex and who are ready to have continuous monitoring, with regular HIV testing.
The substantial progress made in the fight against HIV in Congo is directly linked to the multiplication of screening centers, the availability of antiretroviral drugs, and the distribution of male and female condoms. All of these improvements have led to broader progress in realizing the right to health and strengthening health systems.
“The new infections that we have recorded in recent years are more young people whose age range varies between 15 to 24 years; hence the involvement of these young people who are on the front line”, said Dr. Benjamin Atipo, executive director of CNLSE.
As part of the fight against these scourges, in particular sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies, the Congo is committed to the path of eradicating AIDS and respecting the rights which involve all people living with AIDS. HIV, who are at risk of infection or who are affected by the virus, precisely the most excluded and marginalized people.
Respect for everyone's rights is an essential foundation of an effective response to HIV. This World AIDS Day is a call to action to protect the health of young people, in particular, by protecting the rights of everyone.
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