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Sub-prefectures of Haut-Mbomou
-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haut-Mbomou
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Central African Republic: the town of Zemio about to be decimated by HIV/AIDS?
Tuesday August 29, 2023 3:26 p.m.
The town of Zemio in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture (South-East) is experiencing a record rate of HIV/AIDS infection. According to local statistics, almost 50% of people tested by health services are positive for STIs/HIV. According to health sources, the security crisis and cross-border shuttles between the DRC, South Sudan and the CAR are contributing to the spread of the pandemic.
The town of Zemio, located 1,112 kilometers east of Bangui, has been experiencing a dramatic situation for several years. The recurring security crises, which have affected the Haut-Mbomou region, have plunged this town of around 50,000 inhabitants into what some describe as a “health disaster”. The prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS is high there. The cause is the lack of adequate care for patients, the lack of monitoring and the shortage of antiretrovirals (ARVs). Added to this is the fact that condoms have been broken for more than three months. 3 pieces of condoms can be bought for 200 FCFA or more.
At the treatment center at Zemio hospital, there are nearly 2,000 people receiving ARV treatment. Unfortunately, the response plan is struggling to be put in place. A situation that worries health professionals.
“1825 patients take their medication regularly”
"We do not have condoms and then the number of facilitators is insignificant because there are a lot of patients. The latter complain because they have difficulty eating in order to take their medication. 1825 patients take regularly their medications ,” lamented Sylvain Mboliki, PLHIV consultant from Zemio.
On the patient side, there is also great concern about the shortage of ARVs. They fear the deterioration of their health.
“I have been on ARV treatment for 12 years”
"I was put on treatment from Bangassou. I gave birth to 4 children in these conditions. I ask the partners to supply us with medicine because these products relieve us. I have been on ARV treatment for 12 years ", testified a patient.
The weakness of the health system in Zemio is not conducive to the fight against the AIDS pandemic. The city's district hospital has only one doctor. A workforce far from meeting the ratio of one doctor per 10,000 patients recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
A high prevalence
"We have a prevention problem. People go with whoever they want and as a result, that gives us this prevalence. We are at 40, 45% if we take a population of 100 people, especially among the displaced population. So really, we "We have a high prevalence" , recognized Beauvier Perard Guérendoumba, head doctor of the Zemio health district.
Given the scale of the health emergency in the region, WHO sent a team of experts to Zemio to support healthcare workers in the response. However, insecurity doesn't make it easy.
Insecurity, a handicap to care
"There is insecurity that is rampant. So, it is difficult to find patients who are running from left to right. This has a huge impact on the care of patients. Someone who has taken refuge in the bush cannot no longer come to collect his medicines. At some point, he will live without his medicines and his state of health may deteriorate ,” explained Aristide Jean-Michel Kparafei, WHO National Consultant at Zemio.
According to local activists, if nothing is done, the AIDS pandemic risks decimating the population of Zemio, one of the least populated Central African localities.
https://www.radiondekeluka.org/actu...en-passe-d-etre-decimee-par-le-vih-sida.html
Sub-prefectures of Haut-Mbomou
-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haut-Mbomou
--------------------------------------------------
Central African Republic: the town of Zemio about to be decimated by HIV/AIDS?
Tuesday August 29, 2023 3:26 p.m.
The town of Zemio in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture (South-East) is experiencing a record rate of HIV/AIDS infection. According to local statistics, almost 50% of people tested by health services are positive for STIs/HIV. According to health sources, the security crisis and cross-border shuttles between the DRC, South Sudan and the CAR are contributing to the spread of the pandemic.
The town of Zemio, located 1,112 kilometers east of Bangui, has been experiencing a dramatic situation for several years. The recurring security crises, which have affected the Haut-Mbomou region, have plunged this town of around 50,000 inhabitants into what some describe as a “health disaster”. The prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS is high there. The cause is the lack of adequate care for patients, the lack of monitoring and the shortage of antiretrovirals (ARVs). Added to this is the fact that condoms have been broken for more than three months. 3 pieces of condoms can be bought for 200 FCFA or more.
At the treatment center at Zemio hospital, there are nearly 2,000 people receiving ARV treatment. Unfortunately, the response plan is struggling to be put in place. A situation that worries health professionals.
“1825 patients take their medication regularly”
"We do not have condoms and then the number of facilitators is insignificant because there are a lot of patients. The latter complain because they have difficulty eating in order to take their medication. 1825 patients take regularly their medications ,” lamented Sylvain Mboliki, PLHIV consultant from Zemio.
On the patient side, there is also great concern about the shortage of ARVs. They fear the deterioration of their health.
“I have been on ARV treatment for 12 years”
"I was put on treatment from Bangassou. I gave birth to 4 children in these conditions. I ask the partners to supply us with medicine because these products relieve us. I have been on ARV treatment for 12 years ", testified a patient.
The weakness of the health system in Zemio is not conducive to the fight against the AIDS pandemic. The city's district hospital has only one doctor. A workforce far from meeting the ratio of one doctor per 10,000 patients recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
A high prevalence
"We have a prevention problem. People go with whoever they want and as a result, that gives us this prevalence. We are at 40, 45% if we take a population of 100 people, especially among the displaced population. So really, we "We have a high prevalence" , recognized Beauvier Perard Guérendoumba, head doctor of the Zemio health district.
Given the scale of the health emergency in the region, WHO sent a team of experts to Zemio to support healthcare workers in the response. However, insecurity doesn't make it easy.
Insecurity, a handicap to care
"There is insecurity that is rampant. So, it is difficult to find patients who are running from left to right. This has a huge impact on the care of patients. Someone who has taken refuge in the bush cannot no longer come to collect his medicines. At some point, he will live without his medicines and his state of health may deteriorate ,” explained Aristide Jean-Michel Kparafei, WHO National Consultant at Zemio.
According to local activists, if nothing is done, the AIDS pandemic risks decimating the population of Zemio, one of the least populated Central African localities.
https://www.radiondekeluka.org/actu...en-passe-d-etre-decimee-par-le-vih-sida.html