LBP-1.05 Challenges and barriers for conducting STI/HIV prevention projects targeting female sex workers within national programs in Benin and Niger

Abstract

displayed high level of concordance (99.4e100%). The prevalence of MG was 2.5% among females and 9.6% among males. The highest sensitivity (71.4%e100% in different specimens) was exhibited by the AmpliSens rtPCR. All tests had a 100% clinical specificity. The prevalence of TV was 1.2% among the females, and all additional VD patients tested positive. The sensitivity and the specificity of both Russian TV tests validated was 100%. Conclusion It seems clear that the biomedical industry in Eastern Europe has the potential for producing reliable reagents and tests kits at affordable prices for genetic diagnosis of STIs. This would open new perspectives for the whole region and could also be costeffective for some other regions experiencing financial constraints. However, more comprehensive evaluations of regionally manufactured tests should be conducted according to internationally accepted guidelines. Context In West Africa, HIV/STIs prevention activities targeting female sex workers (FSW) and their partners were developed and supported financially through a bilateral cooperation project. After the end of the project in Benin (2006) and Niger (2007), the national HIV/STI programs took over these interventions. Objectives (i) to identify the challenges and barriers for FSW program interventions within national programs; (ii) to assess the capacity of FSW dedicated services to treat and prevent STI efficiently. Methods A triangulation of methods and sources of data collection were used within an evaluative approach centered on the use of the results, such as individual and collective interviews, review of data records from health centers and field observations. Quantitative data from clinical attendance were crossed with qualitative data. A conceptual framework was developed to explain the exploratory and analytical elements. The main findings were validated with the stakeholders. Results There are several constraints and major challenges facing STI/HIV prevention under the responsibility of national programs, namely: (i) the deficit of synergies between two major components (communication for behavioural change and medical follow-ups), (ii) the lack of coordination and actions in the field, (iii) the abandonment of structural activities, (iv) low resource allocation for activities targeting FSW. Since the integration of the activities into the national programs, the capacity to provide prevention services to the FSW population, both in terms of coverage and of the package and the quality of services provided, has significantly declined, even if the strengthening of staff capacity in this domain remains an encouraging achievement. Conclusions The national programs of Benin and Niger do not yet cover sufficiently the most exposed groups (FSW and their partners) who are at the centre of the HIV epidemic. Thus, the study proposes reflection and action to improve coverage of this clientele in order better control of STIs and HIV. Background New Brunswick (NB) has experienced a resurgence of infectious syphilis with a 10...

Reorienting the HIV Response in Niger Toward Sex Work Interventions

“…In men, HIV infection is clustered in the wealthiest; HIV prevalence among those in the highest 2 wealth quintiles (0.6%) is 6 times higher than men in the lower 3 wealth quintiles (0.1%). 11 In 2012, only 0.9% of total HIV prevention spending was for FSW interventions. 7 Meanwhile, a chief protective factor for HIV risk-school education-has shown stagnation in Niger.…”