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HIV & STIs: The Indian Ocean Faces a Resurgence of Infections
Despite significant progress in recent years, health experts are observing a troubling increase in HIV infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across the islands of the Indian Ocean.
To address this rising concern, regional experts are convening in Antananarivo, Madagascar from October 22-24, for the 20th edition of the Indian Ocean HIV Symposium, themed “HIV in the Indian Ocean: Resilience, Regional Collaboration, and Innovation in the Fight.”
Representatives from Mauritius, Rodrigues, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Réunion have presented their epidemiological situations and trends, all arriving at a similar conclusion.
While there have been notable advancements in the fight against these infections and in patient care, the once-declining infection rates are now rising again, indicating an uptick in new cases of HIV and STIs in their respective countries.
Mauritius is experiencing a continued trend, reporting 274 new HIV cases from January to June 2024.
In 2023, 61.3% of these infections were attributed to unprotected sexual intercourse among heterosexuals, with an additional 28.3% resulting from needle sharing.
Rodrigues records between 10 and 15 new cases annually, with 59% of infections stemming from sexual contact.
In Réunion, the proportion rises to 74%. Seychelles and Madagascar are also reporting similar trends.
Experts stress that resilience, regional cooperation, and innovation are crucial for reversing the trend and achieving the 2030 targets aimed at ending the epidemic.
However, many countries remain far from these goals; numerous individuals living with HIV have yet to be diagnosed. Moreover, even among those who have been tested, many do not engage with healthcare systems, and others fail to adhere to their treatment regimens.
These pressing issues will be explored during the symposium, which will feature scientists, policymakers, and civil society organizations, including PILS, CUT, and AILES from Mauritius.
Representatives from these organizations will also share insights regarding the current situation and contribute to potential solutions.
Dr. Jude Padayachy, the UNAIDS country director for the region, emphasizes, “Poor policies and ignorance kill more than HIV. HIV is not just a health issue; it is primarily a development challenge.”
Dr. Catherine Gaud, the symposium’s initiator and a proponent of regional cooperation in this fight, adds, “Significant strides have been made, but much work remains.
There are still pregnant women in the region giving birth to HIV-positive children.
Certain areas and groups still lack access to treatment. Additionally, there is a severe addiction problem that needs to be addressed to mitigate risks.”
Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, highlights a concerning trend: “We are witnessing a resurgence of new infections within the general population.
We must regain control; otherwise, we will lose ground. Beyond prevention, testing, and treatment, we need to invest more in fighting HIV and strengthening our health systems.”
The call for increased financial support from donors was strongly articulated during the symposium’s opening in Ivato, with Mialy Rajoelina, the First Lady of Madagascar, stressing in her speech:
“HIV is not a shameful topic. Cultural barriers often impede our efforts. We must embrace openness in discussions, even in schools, or we risk perpetuating fear and stigma.”
Discrimination remains a significant source of suffering, as highlighted by Isabelle Marie, a representative for people living with HIV in the region and president of the Ravanne+ coalition, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
She urged vigilance regarding human rights issues and the need to combat the persistent taboos and discrimination faced by those living with HIV and other vulnerable groups.
Marie also emphasized the importance of incorporating the voices of those affected by HIV in decision-making processes, stating, “Nothing for us without us.”
Preventive long-acting injections and more effective care systems present viable strategies for the region to strengthen its response.
However, achieving these goals will require ambition, strong leadership, and a genuine willingness to make progress. Dr. Catherine Gaud succinctly encapsulates the collective call to action:
“As long as we are not satisfied, we must not stop. We have a duty to establish regional support because we understand one another.”
Source: Le Mauricien