AIDS SPREAD IN SIERRA LEONE AT A RAPID RATE

June 23, 2004 - (The Independent) The AIDS pandemic has been observed to be spreading at a rapid rate in post-war era and has been compounded by the socio-economic adversities exhibited by the war which is pushing many young girls into promiscuity, an act that easily attracts the disease.

In apparent concern of this phenomenon, the National Aids Secretariat Director Professor Sidi Alghali has persistently warned Sierra Leoneans to prevent themselves from the AIDS pandemic

Professor Alghali repeated his warning when the United States Center for Disease Control donated a HIV/Aids diagnostic equipment for use at the Connaught Hospital in Freetown recently.

The donated equipment were handed over at Dr. King Library of the United States Embassy in Freetown and attracted dignitaries like Dr. Noah Conteh, Dr. Monica Nolan and Professor Sidi Alghali himself.

Dr. Noah Conteh pointed out that there was a need for more control of laboratory equipment and training of young people so that accurate results could be acquired.

The National Aids Secretariat in Freetown has been combating the dreadful pandemic through several means. The secretariat hopes to reach rural communities through local councils so as to crusade strategies down to community level. They would use vernacular languages and drama and utilise chiefs and encourage MPs to be involved. Also, the secretariat has been publishing all its activities including its expenditure in a bid to enhance transparency.

In recent times, the Secretariat has involved 17 ministries in the war against AIds. The line ministries, it has been reported, take care of their own clients and staff for the crusade against AIDs.

In post-war era, the disease continues to spread as many young girls resort to promiscuity so as make two ends meet. The disease therefore has been spreading very fast. In order to enhance a countrywide operations in the crusade, the National Aids Secretariat has supported NGOs, Community-Based Organisations and Faith Based organisations.

For those who unfortunately catch the virus voluntary confidential counselling and testing services are provided for them.

But where can treatment services be got? In the 34 Military Hosptal at Wileberforce, Connaught Hospital, Marie Stopes Clinic and Urban Centre at Kissy . There are also pre-test and post -test counselling services followed up by support counselling.

The dangers of Kamajor style

These days, most young girls prefer what they call "kamajoh style" (not using condoms) which ahs been discovered to be one of the obvious ways of contracting HIV. But through sensitisation in collaboration with different organisations, the Secretariat has persuaded the public especially the youth to use "Bullet proofs" (Condoms) and it now provides free or subsidised condoms.

The "pop or club" culture is also another after that influences the youths of today. In entertainment centres, young boys and girls and sometimes adults resort to promiscuity. In Sierra Leone Saturdays are regarded as "enjoyment days" and therefore entertainment centres become magnets on such days. The National AIDs secretariat has been preaching abstinence but does it work in a country where, like in every part of the world, the sexually active population is so large? Obviously, it has alternatively recommended the use of "Bullet proofs" (condoms)

Efforts have also been made to motivate behaviour change so as to reduce the most pathetic mode of transmission: mother to child and harmful cultural attitude and practices. In rural areas, initiation into secret societies is a must for young girls. Even though it has been observed to be a source of AIDs, the practice has become persistent. But NAS believes that with persistent sensitisation the practise will one day go into oblivion.

As the pandemic continues to ravage post-war Sierra Leone, it becomes apt to do something and that demands concerted efforts. NAS has been in the forefront of the fight. The Secretariat basically promotes health seeking behaviour including voluntary HIV/Aids testing and counselling against STDs or provide medicare. NAS has a National HIV/ AIDs council.

President Ahmad Tejan kabbah is the chairman.

A communication strategy has been developed. Dr Kawa is now heading the Information Education and Communication wing of the secretariat.

Through the adoption of a national strategic plan, the Secretariat has been able to priorities directions. It has been reported that there are plans to institute monitoring and evaluation not only to for the promotion of technical effectiveness, but for financial oversight.

Reduce transmission of HIV/Aids in Sierra Leone.

Through the numerous approaches that have been adopted the Secretariat hopes to mitigate the impact of Aids on the population, Combat the spread of the pandemic in high groups, reduce rate of infection in especially women in the general public, in the force, help HIV orphans and dependants, sensitise Gays and Lesbians.

Through Information, education and communication, there is hope to bring about behaviour change. The general hope has been that all hands will be on deck for Sierra Leone's new war, a war which neither UN troops nor the Sierra Leone Armed Forces can fight the enemy without the active participation of the whole nation.

from: http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200406230936.html