Prevention, HIV testing and access to care for sex workers: Case of Lubumbashi, DR Congo

7^th ASIA PACIFIC STD AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES CONGRESS

OCTOBER 23-25, 2017 OSAKA, JAPAN

Jean Paul Mulaja

Equilibre International Limited, DR Congo

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

HIV prevalence in Congo-Kinshasa remains relatively high at 9.1% and reaches 24% among sex workers. Lubumbashi by its geographical position made border with two countries and constitutes a high migration and trade exchanges that attract sex workers. To carry out the activities, we have set up a team of five people, including a medical doctor, an advisor, a laboratory assistant and two facilitators. The approach used is as follows: Program of the place and fixing of the working hours with the beneficiaries. From 2013 to December 2015, 586 sessions were conducted for 2342 participants, 438 people accepted voluntary screening-19%, 46 positive cases or 10.50%. In terms of sexually transmitted infection, 208 sex workers benefited from the consultation of which 133 cases cared for or 64% and in relation to condoms 126160 unit were distributed. Prevention and screening in mobile strategy is an approach that works with female sex workers. However, the care of HIV-positive people remains confronted with the mobility of the beneficiaries who regularly changes sites or even countries without advising the team in charge of supervision. Another strategy should be found to ensure that HIV-positive sex workers can be kept as long as possible in the care system.

Biography :

Jean Paul Mulaja is the Execuitve director of Equilibre International DRC