HIV-AIDS: a persistent scourge in the Niania health zone
HIV-AIDS remains a major health problem in the Niania health zone, located in the Mambasa territory, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the latest statistics, the number of reported cases stands at 31,991 between January and September 2023. An alarming figure which highlights the seriousness of the situation.
Dr. Joseph Pemanakue Babundiaka, chief medical officer of the Niania health zone, attributed this high prevalence to several factors. First, unprotected sex with multiple partners is a common practice in the region. In addition, the health zone is at the crossroads of several provinces, which facilitates the spread of the virus. In addition, the presence of mining squares in the health zone leads to risky sexual behavior.
Among the nine health areas in the region, CECCA 16 health area is the most affected with 7,847 confirmed cases, followed closely by Juhudi health area with 6,106 cases. Other health areas, such as Bafwambaya, Badengaido, Bafwanekengele and Afia, are also strongly impacted.
Apart from the number of positive cases, Dr. Joseph Pemanakue also revealed that 52 people died from HIV-AIDS, while 249 stopped taking antiretrovirals and 213 were lost to follow-up.
Faced with this worrying reality, it is essential that the population get tested voluntarily, use condoms correctly and adopt responsible behaviors such as abstinence for young single people and fidelity in marital relationships.
Such figures highlight the importance of awareness and prevention to combat the spread of HIV-AIDS. Health authorities must strengthen their efforts in terms of education and the provision of means of protection, in order to stop this epidemic and improve the health of the population of the Niania health zone.