Better understanding the HIV epidemic in Madagascar

Two years after the creation of its program in Madagascar, Solthis is organizing a Scientific Conference in collaboration with two Malagasy institutional partners: the Health Ministry’s Program for the Fight against STDs/HIV and the Executive Secretariat of the National Committee for the Fight against AIDS (CNLS).

Two days will be consecrated to “better understanding the HIV epidemic in Madagascar,” a country whose infection pattern defies much of what is known about the disease. Let us recall that an estimated 12,000 patients are infected (a prevalence rate of 0.16%), even though numerous risk factors are in evidence (difficult economic context, high rate of prevalence for STDs, concurrent sexual partnerships, prostitution, high sexual activity among young people, low usage rates for condoms …). However, at present, only 300 patients are receiving follow-up and only 180 are receiving ARVs.

The Scientific Conference brought together over 60 participants. The audience consisted of institutional actors representing the Ministry of Health, the CNLS, and members of UNAIDS and the WHO; referring and prescribing physicians, doctors in the “network” (who have been trained in HIV treatment); paramedical workers; and members of patient associations. A diverse audience, then, which held diverse expectations. Doctors came to acquire knowledge for their daily practice and share experiences with colleagues from other regions, whereas ministry officials came to demonstrate their commitment and initiative regarding HIV/AIDS and strengthen partnerships.

The conference was marked by the presence of two French doctors, Prof. Christine Rouzioux and Dr. Jean-Paul Viard, who are deeply involved in Madagascar, notably via the Solthis program and its partnership with the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) and Necker Hospital in Paris.