The Cavally region of Côte d'Ivoire has made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with 5,740 people living with the virus currently under antiretroviral treatment. This information was revealed by Dr. Jules Galla Bi Koffi, the regional director of health, hygiene, and universal health coverage, during a meeting of the regional committee to combat HIV/AIDS. The gathering, held in Guiglo, brought together stakeholders from civil society and individuals living with HIV.
Despite this achievement, Dr. Galla Bi Koffi expressed concern over 96 individuals who tested positive for HIV and were placed under treatment but have since been lost to follow-up. He emphasized that these individuals are no longer receiving treatment, which can lead to further transmission of the virus and complications for their health. The regional director stressed the importance of tracking down these patients and re-engaging them in care.
The region has reported notable successes, including a 100% rate of viral suppression among pregnant women living with HIV who have been placed under treatment. Viral suppression means that the amount of virus in the blood has become undetectable through standard tests. This achievement is a significant milestone in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
However, the regional committee remains concerned about not meeting the "three 95s" targets, which aim to diagnose 95% of people living with HIV, place 95% of those diagnosed under antiretroviral treatment, and achieve viral suppression in 95% of those under treatment. To address these challenges, Dr. Galla Bi Koffi highlighted the crucial role of community health workers who have been trained to raise awareness and contribute to reducing the transmission of the virus.
The regional director urged pregnant women to undergo HIV testing and, if necessary, adhere to their treatment to minimize the risk of transmitting the virus to their children. With an estimated HIV incidence rate of 1% in the Cavally region, Dr. Galla Bi Koffi called on local leaders, including village and community chiefs, religious guides, and women's and youth association leaders, to intensify awareness-raising efforts in their respective areas.
The goal is to consolidate prevention and control actions against HIV/AIDS in the region. By engaging local stakeholders and community members, the regional committee aims to improve HIV testing, treatment, and care services. This comprehensive approach is expected to contribute to reducing the transmission of HIV and improving the overall health and well-being of people living with the virus in the Cavally region.
The Agence Ivoirienne de Presse reported that the meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to review progress, discuss challenges, and strategize ways to strengthen the response to HIV/AIDS in the Cavally region. The regional committee's efforts to combat HIV/AIDS are ongoing, with a focus on ensuring that people living with the virus receive the necessary care and support to manage their condition effectively.
Key points
- 5,740 people in Côte d'Ivoire's Cavally region are under antiretroviral treatment for HIV.
- 96 individuals living with HIV in the region have been lost to follow-up.
- The region has achieved 100% viral suppression among pregnant women living with HIV who have been placed under treatment.
