Location: Comé and Ouidah health zones

Situation:

Since the end of the Marxist-Leninist regime in 1989, Benin has had a strong reputation as a democratic sub-Saharan country. Since 2001, however, problems with the economy have gone from bad to worse. By electing Boni Yayi (former President of the West African Development Bank) in the March 2006 elections, the Beninese expressed their desire for change. Despite these efforts, the economy is still weak and the country remains one of the poorest in the world.

Activities:

The activities aim to build capacity of local health workers and local NGOs. Doctors of the World (DOW) has provided technical support to ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS have access to quality care. The activities have included awareness raising activities, testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission and medical treatment for HIV positive patients. Psychosocial follow-up, and nutritional support have also been provided. The project has enabled efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS to be decentralised to two health centres in the two pilot areas (Ouidah and Comé).

Outlook:

The programme set up by DOW has been handed over to the local health authorities. DOW plans to monitor the work and to capitalise on the experience of integrating HIV care into health systems.