Status of the epidemy¹
In Senegal, the AIDS epidemic is described as concentrated, because of the low prevalence rate among the population in general. This rate was estimated at 1.5% in 2003, at 0.7% following the 2005 4th Survey on Population and Health (EDS IV), and at 0.9% in the latest UNAIDS Report. However, high prevalence rates have been registered among professional sex workers (between 10% and 31% in 2003) and among men having sexual relations with other men (21.5% in 2004). There are about 80 000 infected people in Senegal.
The national strategy
Since 2001, the National Council against AIDS (CNLS) has been coordinating the fight against AIDS. This Council, placed under the authority of the Prime Minister, has set up a National Multi-Sector AIDS Programme (PNMLS), functioning along the major principles of devolution, decentralization, multi-sector basis, respect and equity with regard to the rights of people living with AIDS, and relying on the commitment of Government, political, religious and community leaders. The National Executive Secretariat is the executive arm of the CNLS.
The private sector
On the whole, private sector participation to the fight against AIDS has not been very forthcoming.
A few companies emerge from the lot and have led certain initiatives:
- very large companies: the Chemical Industries of Senegal (ICS), the Sugar Industry of Senegal (CSS), the Autonomous Port of Dakar, SONATEL, SOFIDEX
- subsidiaries of multinational companies: SDV, TOTAL, BICIS, NOVOTEL, Gras Savoye, CFAO, Air Liquide, MTOA, SOBOA…
It would seem that the low prevalence rate – that is, with a scarcely visible impact on productivity – is not urgent enough to mobilise the private sector.
Nevertheless, about 15 companies meet on a more or less regular basis to try and share good practices and experiences: they are subsidiaries of multinational companies as well as those of SOCOCIM, CBAO, the Big Mills of Dakar, CHOCOSEM…
On the other hand, the Employers’ National Council (CNP) is involved in the fight against AIDS: in 2002, it set up an AIDS Unit and thanks to funds received from the World Bank and ILO, carried out a survey with the help of her expert, Dr Aïchatou Conté, to find out to what extent CEOs have been sensitised to AIDS. In the light of her findings, some advocacy was undertaken, and as a result, a Commitment Charter was signed, followed by training for the benefit of members of committees set up at the level of the companies. Training sessions are still under way.
Contact:
Mme Fatou Badji,
Deputy Executive Secretary
In charge of relations with the Civil Society and the Private Sector
kcwone@cnls-senegal.org
SIDA-ENTREPRISES member companies in Senegal
ACCOR : Novotel, Sofitel Terranga
Air Liquide : Air Liquide Senegal
BGI : SOBOA
BNP Paribas : BICIS
Bolloré : SDV
CFAO : CFOA automobiles, Laborex
Crédit Lyonnais :
Gras Savoye : Gras Savoye Senegal
Imperial Tobacco : MTOA
Société Générale : SGBS
TOTAl : Total Senegal, SAR
Available documentation
UNGASS report - Senegal - 2005
Latest Update: August 2006
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¹ Source : Report on the status of the national response to HIV/AIDS (UNGASS – January 2006)
