The view of Mahorais on HIV has changed, but access to testing and care must be improved. The ARS, the CHM and associations including Nariké Msada, are increasing awareness campaigns.
Public Health France has just published the latest HIV figures in Mayotte: “In 2021, all surveillance systems show an increase in STI and HIV screening indicators in Mayotte compared to 2020. Thus, the number of serologies performed in 2021 increased by 23% compared to 2020 (116 HIV serologies per 1000 inhabitants in 2021 vs 94 HIV serologies per 1000 inhabitants in 2020)…
And for the president of Nariké Msada, the Mahorais are no longer afraid to come for testing. So inevitably, we find more and more cases of HIV. It’s almost mathematical.
“Even if there is a problem of access to means of detection. It remains essentially
“hospital-centered” and the only private laboratory is located in Mamoudzou.
One of the solutions is to go as close as possible to the population from time to time to offer screening. The next campaign begins on December 5. The ARS and the various players concerned will launch screening week. For a week they will go around all the municipalities offering to screen the population. »
association narike m’sada, redeca, ireps
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But Moncef Moudhoir recognizes that social precariousness, 77% of the population lives below the poverty line, an unemployment rate which is around 35% and finally, prostitution, are factors amplifying the phenomenon.
And yet, there are reasons for hope. Mentalities are changing through awareness campaigns.
“For 4 years, we have been developing a poster campaign on February 14, Valentine’s Day, every year. Its particularity is that it features real couples in life who promote screening. A few years ago, it would have been unimaginable to find a man willing to lend his face to be associated with HIV. Today, they are real couples, they are not extras. They come to pose voluntarily, they are not even paid. Mentalities are changing for the better! »
Finally, young people represent approximately 65% of the population. Information is at their fingertips through their smartphones. “There are things in life that can be unavoidable, but sexually transmitted infections are preventable. It is up to everyone to assume their responsibilities.