HIV/AIDS: Cameroon records 11,000 deaths in 2021

Eleven thousand people died in 2021 in Cameroon, as a result of the Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) virus.

The information was disclosed on Thursday, December 1, 2022, on the occasion of the 35th edition of the celebration of World AIDS Day, by the National AIDS Control Committee.

The HIV/AIDS contamination rate has witnessed a decline in Cameroon, according to health experts.

Statistically, the seroprevalence rate in the west African nation fell from 5.5% to 2.7%. According to the national committee for the fight against HIV/AIDS — and only 495,000 people live with the disease in Cameroon.

“Data shows that our prevalence is less than 2%. Deaths would have dropped from 14,000 in 2012 to 11,000 people today. We are at nearly 98% of pregnant women tested for HIV compared to previous years where we were at less than 50%,” explained Jean de Dieu Noubissie, head of the research unit at the National Committee for the Fight against AIDS.

Young girls, however, remain at high risk of HIV transmission. To stop the phenomenon, “community actions, aimed at the young girl and especially the unschooled girl are implemented,” continued Jean de Dieu Noubissie.

Other projects to care for sick people are also set up to reduce new infections. According to the head of the unit, approximately 410,000 people are currently receiving treatment for this purpose.

In society, AIDS patients are still subject to discrimination and prejudice. Access to quality care is also a challenge, especially for people living in the hinterland.

By Amina Hilda