Status of the epidemic
The Central African Republic is the most HIV/AIDS affected country in Central Africa and occupies the 9th place worldwide. An overall map of the disease, prepared by ST/CNLS with the technical support of Institut Pasteur in 2002 and funded by the World Bank, clearly demonstrates the extent of the HIV epidemic on the Central African territory. HIV prevalence among pregnant women in Bangui, the capital city, varied between 7 and 21% depending on the zone, with an average prevalence of 15%. According to this same survey, the provinces were as much affected as Bangui, if not more, with prevalence rates ranging between 4 and 28% and an average rate of 13% in the towns and 17% in the rural areas.
At present, it is estimated that 250 000 people are living with HIV/AIDS, while 24 000 deceases are related to AIDS and 140 000 children have become orphans because of AIDS. The disease is at present one of the main causes of death and morbidity among the adults. CAR is therefore a country where the epidemic has become widespread, since not only have all the social strata been affected, but the rural areas are also as much, if not more, affected, with prevalence exceeding 20% in some rural districts. The latest UNAIDS Report 2006 estimates at 10.7% the prevalence rate among adults aged between 15 and 49.
The major HIV transmission mode in CAR is through heterosexual relations. Poverty among the population, ignorance, illiteracy, resistance to sexual behaviour changes and the still high prevalence of STI are as many factors that promote such transmission. Also, inadequate technical equipment and consumables in the health facilities constitute serious obstacles to treatment. Mother-child HIV transmission rate is quite high, being given the high HIV prevalence among pregnant women.
The national strategy
Since 2003, there has been greater government commitment with the setting up of the National Commission against AIDS (ST/CNLS). The main problem was the background of socio-politico-military unrest prevailing during the last few years. At present, ST/CNLS is preparing a National Strategy together with its implementation, as well as a unique national Follow-up and Evaluation plan taking account of the epidemiological surveillance.
Contacts:
Technical Secretariat of the National Committee Against AIDS (ST/CNLS)
B.P: 2613 Bangui
Tel: +236 61 36 65/ 61 36 94
Fax: + 236 61 05 46/61 36 94
E-mail: caf-cnls@intnet.cf , cafcnls@intnet.cf
The private sector
Groupement Interprofessionnel en Centrafrique (GICA)
Contact: Estelle Y. N’GUILE-DELVIGNE (General Secretariat)
Address: Ex Sica bois - SCAD, Av. B. BOGANDA BP 804 Bangui
Tel: +236 61 59 89
Fax: +236 61 59 89
E-mail: gica_rca@yahoo.fr
Union Nationale de Patronat Centrafricain (UNPC)
Contact: Faustin ZAGUI (Président)
Address: Président Valéry Giscard d’ESTAING Avenue, 1st Floor Tropicana Building
BP: 2180 Bangui
Tel: +236 61 42 10
Fax: +236 61 42 10
E-mail: unpc-rca@intnet.cf
Syndicat National des Entreprises Centrafricaines de Commerce (SNC)
Contact: Faustin ZAGUI (Président)
Address: Président Valéry Giscard d’ESTAING Avenue 1st Floor, Tropicana Building
BP: 2180 Bangui
Tel: +236 61 42 10
Fax: +236 61 42 10
E-mail: unpc-rca@intnet.cf
SIDA-ENTREPRISES member companies in CAR
ASCOMA
BGI
Bolloré
CFAO
Imperial Tobacco
TOTAL
Available documentation
UNGASS report - CAR - 2005
Latest Update: August 2006
