Burkina Faso to Launch Nationwide HIV and Hepatitis B Screening in December.

Ouagadougou: A HIV and hepatitis B screening campaign, coupled with viral load testing, will be organized in the pediatric departments of all hospitals in Burkina Faso during the month of December, the Permanent Secretariat of the National Council for the Fight against AIDS and STIs (SP/CNLS-IST) announced on Tuesday. "World AIDS Day (scheduled for December 5) will be marked by HIV/AIDS awareness and screening activities in all regions of Burkina Faso, under the coordination of the regional branches of SP/CNLS-IST," said the permanent secretary of the council, Dr. Seydou Ouattara, during a press conference held this Tuesday afternoon in Ouagadougou.According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Ouattara specified that a campaign of HIV and hepatitis B screening, coupled with the realization of the viral load, will be organized in the pediatric departments of all hospitals in the country. He also announced information and communication activities through the media. In addition, each region will hold a regional ceremony under the aegis of the governors and the presidents of the regional committees for the fight against AIDS (CRLS).The official ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, December 5 at 2 p.m., will be held under the High Patronage of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Faso, Head of State and President of the National Council for the Fight against AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (CNLS-IST). This ceremony will be an opportunity to recognize the merit of those involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS through honorary distinctions. People living with HIV will also speak to raise awareness and testify to the challenges they face on a daily basis.According to Dr. Ouattara, health structures that perform well in the implementation of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and in the medical care of people living with HIV (PLHIV) will also be rewarded. For the 2024 edition, the national theme chosen is: 'Together for inclusive HIV services'. This theme, explained the Permanent Secretary, has be en contextualized to highlight the importance of availability and equitable access to quality essential services in an environment that guarantees and promotes the rights of all.At the end of 2023, the epidemiological situation of HIV in Burkina Faso showed a prevalence of 0.6%, with a distribution of 0.7% among women and 0.4% among men. The estimated number of people living with HIV was 95,000, including 55,000 women, 31,000 men and 9,500 children under 14 years of age. The Permanent Secretary also disclosed that 1,900 new HIV infections were recorded among adults and children, while HIV-related deaths were estimated at 2,600. In addition, the number of orphans due to HIV stood at 86,000.