In Côte d’Ivoire, the number of deaths linked to HIV/AIDS has fallen by 70% over the last ten years. However, the country is facing an increase in new infections, particularly among young people aged between 15 and 25. This accounts for nearly 40% of the new cases recorded. But Abidjan is seeking to understand the current situation and the Ivorian Ministry of Health launched an investigation to this effect on Friday, July 19.
2 min
With our correspondent in Abidjan, Abdoul Azez Diallo
Côte d’Ivoire wants to understand the current situation of the HIV epidemic. The Ivorian Ministry of Health launched a survey called CIPHIA on Friday, July 19. It will cover all regions of the country.
HIV/AIDS, which was the leading cause of death among young people in the 1990s, is now in fifth place. The prevalence rate drops from 4.7% in 2010 to 1.8% in 2023. On the other hand, the country is facing a resurgence of the disease among young people aged between 15 and 25.
The CIPHIA survey will enable the collection of reliable data in order to readjust the strategy for combating HIV/AIDS
” This is a new target that did not exist before, on which we are going to work. We also know that people over 55 also concentrate new infections. So, we need to work on these people. This is why we need to have clear visibility, a good picture of our epidemic so that we can address the points that need to be addressed. “, explains Professor Mamadou Samba, Director General of Health.
Investigators will travel across the country to conduct interviews and take biological samples. The people they meet will be able to find out their HIV status.
The Ivorian Minister of Health, Pierre Dimba, reassures the population: “ Everything will be done according to the standards. Confidentiality, but also measures will be taken to take care of you. Today, AIDS no longer kills as before, you just have to follow the instructions and I think it is better to know than to die in ignorance. »
The second of its kind, the CIPHIA survey runs until the end of the year and concerns people aged 15 and over. The results are expected in January 2025.
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