In Nouakchott, Mauritania, a two-day workshop was launched to train representatives from 10 government sectors on combating HIV/AIDS. The workshop, organized by the National Executive Secretariat for Combating AIDS, aims to enhance the capacity of sectoral stakeholders in awareness, prevention, and early detection. The event saw the participation of the Mauritanian Scientists Association, civil society organizations, and several technical and financial partners.
The workshop's opening ceremony was attended by the National Executive Secretary for Combating AIDS, Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Kori. He commended the participants, noting that their presence reflects the continuous support for development efforts to improve and make health services accessible to vulnerable groups. Al-Kori highlighted that policies to combat the disease have led to a decline in its spread among the general population to 0.13%.
However, Al-Kori noted that behavioral and biological monitoring results indicate a significant spread among certain social groups, necessitating enhanced intervention programs targeting these groups. He emphasized that efforts to combat the disease have been strengthened through programs aimed at fighting marginalization and vulnerability. The National Executive Secretary assured that work will continue to expand coordination and provide requirements for free patient care nationwide.
The decisions of the National Committee to Combat AIDS, chaired by the Prime Minister, have emphasized the need to enhance efforts to combat the disease through concerted efforts from various stakeholders, update control methods, and improve coordination among partners at the national level. The organization of this training session is part of this framework, allowing participants to familiarize themselves with the institutional framework for combating AIDS.
The workshop's program includes technical presentations by experts and specialists on disease awareness, transmission methods, prevention methods, and free care for those infected. It also covers monitoring and evaluation of related activities across various sectors. Participants were urged to maximize their benefit from the workshop and enhance their capacities to combat AIDS.
The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the General Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Employment, Sports, and Civil Service, and the General Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Educational Reform. Representatives from international organizations and bodies working in the field were also present.
The workshop is expected to equip participants with the necessary information and techniques to carry out their roles in promoting a culture of voluntary and free testing for the disease within their sectors and institutions. This will contribute to expanding awareness to include families and their surroundings.
Key points
- The workshop aims to train representatives from 10 government sectors on HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and early detection.
- Mauritania has recorded a decline in HIV/AIDS spread among the general population to 0.13%.
- The country is strengthening programs to combat marginalization and vulnerability.
