- In 2001, UNAIDS reported that Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has become the leading cause of death in Sub-Saharan Africa and the fourth leadingcause of death worldwide.
- Many humanitarian emergencies are in countries that face HIV/AIDS epidemics.
- Refugees and displaced populations may be at increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS as a result of changes in societal structures, broken family units, the economic vulnerability of women andunaccompanied minors; a rise in commercial sex work, thepresence of sexual violence and coercive sex, untreated psychological trauma and the disruption of preventive and curative health services.
- Refugees and displaced persons with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of infectious diseases and malnutrition which are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in humanitarian emergencies.
- Data on the burden of HIV/AIDS in humanitarian emergency situations is scarce.
What is the Public Health Problem?
What has the CDC Accomplished?
In April 2002, CDC conducted an HIV/AIDS seroprevalence and behavioral risk factor survey in all accessible areas of Sierra Leone (representing 79% of the population). The objective of the survey was to provide baseline data for program planning, monitoring and evaluation, and advocacy prior to implementation of the Sierra Leone HIV/AIDS Response Project (SHARP).
In November 2002, CDC conducted surveys among pregnant women and patients with sexually transmitted infections (STI) in Yei County, Western Equatoria, and Southern Sudan, as part of a pilot project ‘Reducing HIV/AIDS Transmission and Improving Related Reproductive Health Practices in Southern Sudan’. For the first time in a humanitarian emergency situation, Rapid HIV and Syphilis tests were used.
What are the Next Steps?
A second part of the Southern Sudan survey is planned for April 2003 in Rumbek, Bahr el Ghazal. Based on these results, CDC plans to develop and disseminate protocols in HIV/STI assessment methods for organizations that support, plan or implement HIV/STI programs in humanitarian emergencies.
Members of different centers at CDC have started a working group ‘HIV/STIs in Emergencies’ as a coordinating body for the growing activities within CDC to prevent and mitigate HIV/AIDS and STIs in humanitarian emergencies.
CDC will continue to provide technical assistance to the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations in their efforts to prevent and mitigate HIV/AIDS and STIs in humanitarian emergencies.
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