HIV/AIDS decrease in Africa

(Vatican Radio) The number of HIV/AIDS cases in Africa has decreased overall, but the real gains are in mother-to-child transmission, “where tremendous success” has been recorded in reducing cases, reports the United Nations Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS to the continent, Specioza Wandira Kazibwe. As well, more than seven million people are now eligible for anti-retroviral treatments.

However, the challenges of gender, violence and the ineffective engagement of men in testing, she said. When both spouses come to natal clinics, it is easy to have both of them tested and, if positive, have them both agree to the medical treatment for themselves and for their child.

However, testing women on their own presents a challenge as “they would fear to actually inform their husbands that they are HIV positive,” she said.

The strategy now in continuing to battle HIV/AIDS in Africa is to assist those countries where there is the greatest number of infections, namely Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as those where there is likely to be an increase, namely countries where there is violence and insecurity, such as South Sudan and Mozambique.

“I believe there are countries, like Uganda, that have a good track record of fighting HIV,” she said. “Those ones we also want to examine and say…what is it that a country does to regress (in the number of infections among the population).”

Listen to Specioza Wandira Kazibwe: