Situation of HIV epidemic in the country

According to UNAIDS/WHO the number of people living with HIV in 2007 was estimated at 190,000 including 17,000 children aged 0-14. The overall national HIV prevalence was reported as 2.1% and HIV prevalence in pregnant women as 3.1%.

Data from the December 2007 sentinel survey show that 6,859 new infections were recorded in 2007. Most infections were registered in the Cunene (19%), Cabinda (17,1%), Benguela (8.6%) and Huila (7.6%) provinces.

At the end of 2007 there were 12,000 on antiretroviral treatment which is equivalent to 25% coverage.

Key elements of the national response

The national response to HIV in Angola started in 1986 and was led by the Ministry of Health. In 1987 the first National Programme against HIV/AIDS and the National Technical Commission were created with the participation of the Ministry of Education, the armed forces and the Univeristy of Agostinho Neto.

During the 1990s the response to HIV was strengthened by the launch of a National Strategic Plan (PEN) and the increase in the availability of funds and partnerships with international and national organisations.

Since 2001 the Prevention of Vertical Transmission Programme, improvement in HIV monitoring and expansion of prevention programmes through voluntary counselling and testing.

In 2002 the National Commission to fight HIV and AIDS and Major Epidemics was created with the purpose of coordinating the response to HIV at national level.

In 2005 the National Institute to fight HIV and AIDS replaced the National Programme to fight against AIDS with the purpose of improving coordinating government and civil society’s response to HIV and intensify prevention, care and treatment.

In 2006, the second National Strategic Plain for 2007-2010 was launched.

Key achievements

• Establishment of the National AIDS Commission in 2002
• In 2003 the Regulations on HIV/AIDS, Employment and Professional training were approved. Among other things, it expressly forbids HIV testing for the purpose of employment
• In November 2004 the National Assembly approved an HIV bill spelling out the responsibility of the government and other national bodies in the response to HIV
• Launch of Monitoring and Evaluation system in April 2005
• Launch of the 2007-2010 National Strategic Plain in 2006
• Creation of the Angolan Network of AIDS Service Organizations (ANASO) and the Network of People Living with HIV
• Creation of a National Entrepreneurial Committee to coordinate national and international companies that have put in place HIV prevention as well as care and support to people living with HIV
• Creation of a National Coordination Mechanism within the Global Fund made up of representatives of government, international and national NGO, associations of living people living with HIV, the private sector and the United Nations.

Key challenges

• Strengthen the capacity of local bodies to participate in the response to HIV
• Improve coordination between the various stakeholders (government, private sector and civil society)
• Monitor the implementation of multisectoral action plans to insure that these are in line with the PEN and there is no duplication of efforts
• Increase decentralisation
• Increase exchange of information between partners
• Improve monitoring of the epidemic
• Improve analysis and availability of epidemiological data
• Expand access to voluntary counselling and testing
• Increase support to people living with HIV including access to antiretroviral therapy and psycho-social support
• Accelerate prevention of mother-to-child transmission and safe blood promotion
• Accelerate prevention among 15 to 24 year olds
• Strengthen programmes aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination

Useful links

National Strategic Plan
PMTCT and Paediatric Care and Treatment Fact Sheet

Contacts

UNAIDS Country Office
UNAIDS
Edificio das Naçôes Unidas
197 rua Major Kanhangulo, CP 3243, Luanda

Instituto Nactional de Luta Contra o SIDA
Ducelina Serrano
Director
Av. 1º Congresso, Luanda, Angola
Tel. +244 222 390485 / 222 371855
Email: ducelinaserrano@yahoo.com.br or ducelinaserrano@angolainls.org

Networks of organisations working on AIDS

Angolan Network of AIDS Service Organizations
Antonio Coelho
Executive Secretary
Mobile: +244 923 302696

Networks of people living with HIV (RNP+)
Ines Gaspar
rnpvvs_angola@yahoo.com.br

ONG Luta pela VIHda (Fight for Life)
Antonio Leitao Ribeiro
antonioribeiro24@hotmail.com

ONG Accion Humana (Human Action)
Pombal Maria
Cell: +244 923 604869

Associcao pela Reintegracao dos Jovens
Simao Cacumba
skarjov4@yahoo.com

Associacao dos Amigos dos Seropositivos (AAS)
Carolina Pinto
kahinapinto@hotmail.com

Rede Mwenho (Alegria) & Rede Nacional de Mulheres Vivendo com VIH
Emilia Fernandes
emilia@angonet.org

Global Report Data