Angola strengthens partnerships to promote HIV/AIDS Prevention

ANGOLA – Angola strengthens partnerships to promote HIV/AIDS prevention with UNAIDS, WHO, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNFPA, and Civil Society Organizations.

 According to the Demographic Health Indicators Survey (2015/16), the HIV prevalence rate in the general population 15-49 years is 2% and is higher amongst women.

The HIV epidemic is primarily concentrated in urban areas, with the highest prevalence and incidence in the Eastern and Southern provinces of the country partly influenced by the porous borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, including Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul and Malanje. 

UNAIDS (2022) estimates around 310,000 people in Angola live with HIV/AIDS, but antiretroviral treatment coverage is still insufficient, reaching only 49% of adults and 22% of children who need treatment.

To address this challenge, the National Institute of the Fight Against AIDS (INLS) initiated a series of HIV advocacy field visits to Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, and Malanje provinces in June 2024. 

Supported by UNAIDS, WHO, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNFPA, and Civil Society Organizations, these visits aim to strengthen HIV prevention and treatment actions amongst children and young people, enhance the integration of primary care and Sexual and Reproductive Health services, and reduce gender-based violence. 

According to the Director of INLS, Dr. Lúcia Furtado, “We’ve been working on spreading the word about the elimination of vertical transmission programme to minimize the transmission of the virus from mother to child.”  

However, challenges still need to be addressed, including limited investment in community strategies, social barriers hindering adherence, and gaps in multisectoral actions.

The advocacy team met with provincial governors, health directorates, and civil society organizations to address these issues, discuss data, identify priorities, and strengthen partnerships. 

Dr Yoti Zabulon, WHO Representative in Angola, expressed renewed commitment to supporting the Government and health partners, stating, “There is hope for us to change this scenario. We will continue to work together to prevent, test HIV and ensure that no one is left behind.” 

The UNAIDS representative in Angola, Dr Hege Wagan, emphasized the importance of global commitments and working together, saying, “The global goals are there because we know we can achieve them if we work together. So here we are listening to how we can work better together, as the United Nations, Civil Society and Government.” 

The HIV advocacy meetings will visit twelve additional provinces with HIV prevalence of 2% or higher to disseminate the 7th National HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan (NSP7) and contribute ideas towards decreasing new infections, especially amongst children and young people.

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