Angola
 |
 |
|
The HIV epidemic in the country [1]
In 2009 the national adult prevalence was estimated to be 1.9% which signals drop in prevalence from 2.1% in 2007. This reduction is due to the increased availability of antiretroviral treatment. However, the number of new HIV infections have continued to rise – from 1.7% in 2007 to 2.67% in 2009.
The number of adults living with HIV was 166,900 at the end of 2009 - 100.931 were women. The number of children (0-14) living with HIV was estimated to be 29,642.
9,259 adults and 3,589 children living with HIV died of AIDS-related illnesses at the end of 2009.
HIV prevalence between 15 to 24 year olds was 1,7% at the end of 2009 as opposed to 2.6% in 2007. This age range accounts for almost one third of all HIV infections.
The provinces with the highest HIV prevalence are: Benguela (4.4.%), Cunene (4.4.%), Luanda Norte and Huambo, Kuando and Kubango (4,2%). These are followed by Luanda (3,9%), Namibe (3,7%) and Bié (3,2%).
According to 2010 UNAIDS Global report on AIDS, there were 19,092 adults and 1,548 children on antiretroviral therapy at the end of 2009. This is equivalent to 24% antiretroviral 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
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
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1. All epidemiological data comes from the country's 2010 UNGASS Report, unless otherwise stated
Printer-friendly version