Marseille 2007
| Abstract #639 - Africa can control HIV/AIDS if it relies on evidence-based approaches | ||||
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Session: 5.1: Plenary 1 (Plenary) on Sunday @ 17.00-19.00 in HC, Auditorium Chaired by Bridgette Prince, Jean Paul Moatti, Jose Catalan Authors: Presenting Author: Dr Olive Shisana - Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa |
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| Aim: The world now knows what works to prevent new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, treat those eligible for antiretroviral therapy and reduce premature mortality. Many developed countries are using this knowledge. Although they may not be reducing all new infections, they are keeping them at relatively low levels. They have emptied the beds previously occupied by people suffering from complications of AIDS. They treat those infected and have reduced premature deaths, thus averting the growth of orphanhood. Except for countries such as Senegal, Uganda and Zimbabwe, the story of Africa, sub-Sahara, is different. Despite the commitment African governments make at various summits that AIDS is a priority, each year more people continue to be infected with HIV, millions seek health care for opportunistic diseases and occupy hospital beds and more than two million die each year from AIDS-related complications. What will it take for sub-Saharan African countries to reverse the HIV/AIDS trajectory? What role can scientists play in assisting sub-Saharan Africa to use evidence-based approaches to reduce new infections and get more people treated? This paper aims to assess the state of implementation of the key HIV prevention and treatment strategies in Africa and map out the possible contribution that scientists can use to support Africa to use the evidence to control AIDS. | ||||
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