Status of the epidemic
After the first AIDS cases were declared in Chad in 1986, the surveillance system which was set up consisted mainly in recording cases of diseases, monitoring AIDS among people with tuberculosis and among blood donors, monitoring STI and AIDS among STI vectors, and monitoring AIDS among women going for prenatal consultations. It was thus possible to register at the end of 2003, in spite of inadequate data collection in the field, a total amount of 18 781 cases, with the addition of 1808 new cases declared for the year 2003 only.
According to the latest UNAIDS Report 2006, the HIV prevalence rate among adults aged between 15 and 49 years is estimated at 3.5%, i.e. 160 000 people are living with HIV/AIDS. There would also be about 16 000 infected children.
The national strategy
In the face of the extent of the epidemic and taking into account the achievements, weaknesses and constraints in previous response actions, as from 2003, PNLS Chad (National Programme against AIDS) has initiated a new process of strategic planning against AIDS. Thus, studies have been carried out on the status of HIV/AIDS and on the response thereto in the 18 regions of the country and in the priority sectors (Health, Education, Defence, Security, Social Development, Communication, Justice and Transport). Globally, the studies have confirmed the existence of a spreading epidemic affecting all the regions of the country and all the sectors. They have also revealed the existence of occasional vulnerability, which variously affects the so-called sensitive populations. It has thus been possible to locate them and to reinforce actions among the Priority Vulnerable Groups, namely:
1. health workers;
2. prison population and staff;
3. the young people;
4. young girls and women;
5. prostitutes;
6. the Moussos;
7. refugees and displaced people;
8. the military;
9. people living with AIDS;
10. mobile populations;
11. staff of major companies.
The private sector
The private sector has been late in committing itself but its involvement has started to take shape following the awareness campaigns and the establishment of AIDS committees within the major companies. Thanks to the support of certain partners, namely of the ILO and FOSAP, several other actions are being carried out prior the development of a real AIDS project on the workplace. Employers should coordinate the development of action plans within all the companies, which the companies themselves would finance, but this initiative is taking a long time to materialise.
Contact:
Dr Hamid Djabar, PNLS Coordinator
http://www.pnls-tchad.org/
Mr. Rakhis Mannany, President, National Council of Chad Employers
Charles de Gaulle Avenue – P. B.134 - N'Djaména
Tel: + 235 52 25 71
Fax : + 235 52 51 89
SIDA-ENTREPRISES member companies in Chad
CFAO
Gras Savoye : Gras Savoye Tchad
SOMDIAA
TOTAL
Latest Update: August 2006
