USAID, partners, fund survey on HIV prevalence in Senegal

DAKAR, February 6, 2007 -- Although Senegal’s overall HIV prevalence is relatively low at 0.7 %, the rate of infection is markedly higher among at-risk groups, according to results from a new survey of behavioral and biological factors presented today.

The national survey, funded by USAID, the Office of Defense Cooperation, the Global Fund ,and the French Cooperation Agency, lists sex workers, truck drivers, and fishermen as most at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS in Senegal. The rate of HIV infection among sex workers is 19.8%, truck drivers, 1.4%, fishermen, 1%, soldiers, 0.7% and police officers, 0.6%.

Sylva Etian of USAID/Senegal’s health team noted that HIV testing must be efficient and on track with current needs in order to make the best use of technical and financial support provided by donors.

“The information provides useful baseline data for the national HIV/AIDS prevention program and its partners at the onset of the new National Strategic Plan, 23007-2011,” said Etian.

USAID financed more than 50% of the three-month survey, which was based on a test survey conducted in 2003. The survey is the first of its kind in Senegal, on a national scale, to include both biological and behavior data on each sampled individual.

USAID was Senegal’s first donor for HIV/AIDS activities and since 1987 has spent more that $25 million to help Senegal keep HIV prevalence low. Over the past 18 years, USAID has strengthened its commitment and today provides over $6 million annually to prevent HIV infection, provide care and support to people living with AIDS and equip Senegal with an epidemiological information system to keep the country one step ahead of the epidemic.

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