On the occasion of World AIDS Day 2024, the BORNES association (Benin Neutral Health Orientation) highlights two priority areas to curb the spread of HIV in Benin: the importance of reinforced screening and the need to reform repressive drug laws. This call was launched during a session held on the morning of Friday, December 27, 2024 at Benin Royal Hotel in Cotonou.
Rodrigue Agossou, president of the NGO Bornespresented a plea focused on two priorities: improving access to testing and reforming drug laws. According to him, these measures would make it possible to reduce the obstacles that hinder access to care for the most vulnerable people. He underlined the importance of enhanced screening, free and confidential, to effectively meet the needs of the population and achieve the overall objectives of the fight against HIV. Armel Ganyé, project manager within the NGOwarned of the vulnerability of drug users, who are at a much higher risk of contracting HIV. “Drawing inspiration from public health strategies successfully applied elsewhere is crucial to reversing this trend in Benin”he said.
The NGO advocates major reforms, notably the decriminalization of drug use, in order to reduce stigma and facilitate access to care. These actions also include the adoption of harm reduction programs, such as substitution treatments, as well as increased awareness of the rights of drug users. The NGO Bornes calls for synergy between the different actors, in particular political decision-makers, civil society and international partners, to guarantee care accessible to all without discrimination.
She expresses her gratitude to her partners, in particular Coalition Plus, Médecins du Monde and the National Alliance of Communities for Health (ANCS)who support its initiatives. “The end of AIDS requires the protection of human rights and a collective effort”the conclusion Armel Ganye. The NGO remains determined to intensify its actions to achieve the objective of a future free of this epidemic by 2030. (Join the family of subscribers to the La Nouvelle Tribune WhatsApp channel by clicking on the link https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCgIOFL2ATyQ6GSS91x)
