LOCATION: North Kivu (Goma and Karisimbi health zones)

SITUATION:

Launched in 2003, this programme takes an integrated approach to tackling sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. Doctors of the World works with local stakeholders (health authorities and local organisations) to jointly develop and steer the programme. Technical, institutional and financial support provided by Doctors of the World enabled implementation of a complete package of activities to tackle HIV in each of the programme areas. 

The programme includes three STI services, one testing and counselling service and a site for for 'prevention of mother-to-child transmission' (PMTCT) in Goma, one HIV and one PMTCT service in Karisimbi, support for a rural blood transfusion service that covers two health zones and a network of 12 local organisations involved in awareness-raising activities.

BENEFICIARIES:

5,130 (targeted at 20,000)

RESULTS:

5,130 patients were monitored, 1,425 received antiretroviral treatment, 4,783 people were tested (15% HIV positive), 600,000 people reached by awareness-raising activities.

OUTLOOK:

Long Term

The local key players involved in the fight against HIV have reached the required level of experience to be able to takeover the arrangements that are in place. Doctors of the World provides technical and financial support to ensure the sustainability of the activities. The drastic reduction in funding for HIV projects, however, threatens to compromise this objective.

Case study:

Isidore Kalimira

President of a Congolese HIV organisation

"The armed conflict and the population displacements have made us forget the HIV issue in this region where it is highly prevalent. Humanitarian organisations and UN agencies have set up emergency programmes, ignoring any anti-AIDS intitiatives. Patients have been abandoned and left to die."

©Photo by Bruno Cert