Sida Entreprises

Status of the epidemic

According to available information, HIV infection continues to spread in Algeria, specially through unprotected sex. The consumption of intravenous drugs, as evidenced in a survey on awareness and behaviours carried out in the north of the country in 2004, constitutes a non negligible mode of transmission. Data on the notification of HIV/AIDS, of STI/HIV HIV-prevalence and of the surveillance on awareness and behaviours show that Algeria is probably experiencing an epidemic which is concentrated in population groups that are most at risk and in certain geographical regions, with the likelihood that the status of the epidemic will get worse unless targeted and rigorous control measures are implemented. Moreover, all the determinants at the origin of the infection exist in the country and could be at the root of an epidemic process (sex work, sexually transmissible infections (STI), mobility-migration…)

Considering the available epidemiological data up to 2004*, the three Maghreb countries (Algeria. Morocco and Tunisia) have been ranked among countries where the epidemic is not very active. The average HIV infection prevalence in those three countries was estimated at 0.1% by WHO/UNAIDS at the end of 2005. At present, Algeria seems to be the Maghreb country the most affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with 19 000 people living with AIDS.

* The HIV- prevalence amongst the Algerian population generally may be assessed from the results of HIV screening among blood donors, patients suffering from tuberculosis and women going for prenatal care.

The national strategy

Algeria has adhered to all the international commitments to fighting AIDS. At the national level, a National Committee to control STI/HIV/AIDS has been set up. It is still struggling to be the real body to develop, plan and coordinate the National Strategic Plan to control AIDS, but it has made obvious efforts. With the support of UNAIDS, the Government is at the present in the process of assessing the 2002-2006 national strategic plan and preparing the 2007/2011 action plan.

The private sector

A pilot action at the initiative of the association AIDS Algérie in partnership with the CNLS (National Commission against AIDS) and UNAIDS in Algiers is to be noted: the Coca-Cola bottler in Algeria organised two training sessions on STI/HIV/AIDS prevention for its employees. In all, 40 employees and executives have benefited from such training.

In collaboration with ILO and UNAIDS, the CNLS is prospecting amongst private sector representatives for their potential involvement in the national response to the epidemic.

SIDA-ENTREPRISES member companies present in Algeria are :