Experts and journalists united against HIV in Senegal

The fourth edition of the AIDS Scientific Days was held in Diamniadio, providing a platform for exchange between experts in the HIV program and journalists specializing in health. This event, crucial for assessing the progress made in the fight against HIV in Senegal, also highlighted the importance of the role of the media in raising awareness and providing information about this cause.

Dr Fatoumata Ly, a key figure in the HIV program, recalled the country’s significant progress in achieving the 3 x 95 global targets set by UNAIDS. According to her, Senegal has recorded encouraging results:

90% of people living with HIV know their serological status, compared to a target of 95%.
93% of people screened are on antiretroviral treatment.
91% of these people achieved lasting viral suppression.
Despite this progress, a gap remains, and it is crucial to fill it to eliminate AIDS by 2030.

Dr Ly insisted on the importance of strengthening collaboration between health experts and journalists, affirming that the media have a strategic role in raising awareness among populations, combating stigma and providing information on screening services. and treatment.

“We are here to see how journalists can really help achieve the goals set. Their support is essential to mobilize communities and promote clear and accessible messages on the fight against HIV,” she said.

Despite progress, some challenges remain, including the need to scale up efforts to screen the remaining 10% of people living with HIV, often hidden in hard-to-reach populations. The fight against stigma also remains a major challenge to encourage more people to get tested and adhere to treatment.

This event was also an opportunity to reiterate Senegal’s commitment to eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, in accordance with the objectives of UNAIDS. With a strategy combining scientific efforts, awareness campaigns and increased media coverage, this goal seems within reach.

The journalists present at this scientific day expressed their desire to actively contribute to the fight against HIV, in particular by producing quality reports and promoting continuous media coverage on the theme.