Political and socioeconomic instability: how does it affect HIV? A case study in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Mulanga, C.; Bazepeo, S.Edidi.; Mwamba, J.Kasali.; Butel, C.; Tshimpaka, J-Willy.; Kashi, M.; Lepira, Fçois.; Caraël, M.; Peeters, M.; Delaporte, E.
Aids 18(5): 832-834
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0269-9370 PMID: 15075528 Document Number: 258091
The impact of an ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo on HIV prevalence was reported and compared with the results of a previous study conducted in 1997. From March to May 2002, HIV surveys were conducted in four cities (Kinshasa, Mbuji-Mayi, Lubumbashi, and Kisangani). A total of 3090 individuals (2201 women and 889 men) were screened. It was found that in Kinshasa, the prevalence rates in pregnant women, tuberculosis patients, sex workers, sexually transmitted infection patients and blood donors had not changed significantly. Similar trends were observed among pregnant women and tuberculosis patients in Mbuji-Mayi. However, HIV prevalence among outpatients in Kinshasa decreased significantly (P=0.01). The rate of HIV infection in pregnant women was 3.6%, lower than the 4.5% reported in 1997. The prevalence of HIV observed among internally displaced persons was high (7.1%). It is suggested that a comprehensive study that includes other vulnerable groups should be carried out on a national level to determine the reasons behind the low and stable HIV seroprevalence. Persistent insecurity, military movement and civilian displacement seem to be linked to the high seroprevalence observed in some population groups.