|
|
Abstract
Prevalence of HIV infection in Commercial Sex Workers, STI patients,individuals with HIV symptoms and worried wells in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC)
G I Mpanya1, C E Van Overloop2, T J Kabamba1, B Pedrique2, R Zachariah3
1Programme National de la Lutte contre le Sida, Kinshasa, Congo, the Democratic Republic of fhe; 2Médecins Sans Frontières Belgique, Kinshasa, Congo, the Democratic Republic of fhe; 3MSF-B, Bruxelles, Belgium
Background: A recent second generation surveillance study (June 2003) in Kinshasa, showed an HIV prevalence rate of 3,8% amongst pregnant women. We wished to assess HIV prevalence rates amongst Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs), patients with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), individuals with symptoms suggestive of HIV related opportunistic infections and worried-wells.
Methods: Voluntary counselling and HIV-testing (VCT) was offered to all CSW’s and their stable partners, STI patients, individuals presenting with suspected HIV related opportunistic infections and worried-wells in 3 primary health facilities in Kinshasa. HIV prevalence rates were assessed among all individuals accepting VCT during a one year period (2003). Individuals have access to prevention and care activities including treatment of STI, management of opportunistic infections and anti-retroviral treatment.
Results: The HIV prevalence rate amongst 1378 CSW’s was 14% while the rate amongst their stable partners (n-202) was 6%. Among STI clients, 156 (9%) of 1710 were HIV positive. There were 2104 individuals who visited the HIV-clinic and who underwent VCT. Of these there were 1268 (60%) who were HIV positive. The main reasons why worried-wells underwent VCT included; recent knowledge about HIV and wish to know ones status (63%), preparation for marriage (20%), and illness (7%). Of 572 worried wells who underwent VCT, 83(14%) were HIV positive.
Conclusions: The HIV prevalence rate among CSWs, STI clients, patients with suspected opportunistic infections and worried wells is high. Offering VCT to such groups provides an early opportunity to introduce prevention and care interventions. CSWs and STI clients should be targeted for promoting prevention strategies particularly condom use.
The XV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
MoPeC3538
Suggested Citation
" G I Mpanya , , et al.
Prevalence of HIV infection in Commercial Sex Workers, STI patients,individuals with HIV symptoms and worried wells in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC).
Poster Exhibition:
The XV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
MoPeC3538"
|
|
|