Mogadishu 02,Nov.07 ( Sh.M.Network)-There is still an opportunity to prevent a major AIDS epidemic in conflict-torn Somalia, but this will take stronger Somali leadership and greater involvement of civil society - particularly young people, women, religious leaders, and those living with HIV, the UN said today.

Speaking on the eve of World AIDS Day on 1 December, UNAIDS Country Coordinator for Somalia, Leo Kenny, said that while ambitious targets have been set for Universal Access to prevention, treatment care and support for all Somalis, and Global Fund on AIDS, TB and Malaria resources have been secured, it is up to Somalis themselves to continue to cooperate across religious, geographical, and political boundaries to halt and reverse the epidemic. Success in achieving these targets will depend on addressing issues of stigma and discrimination, and ensuring open debate and discussion."

Events to mark World AIDS Day are planned in Somaliland, Puntland, and south central Somalia, as well as in Nairobi's Eastleigh area, where many Somalis live. The launch of a programme for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission in Hargeisa, Somaliland, significantly boosts prevention, treatment and care services for women and children.

Abdinasir Mohamud Sheikh, Chairman of the Nairobi-based Somali Support Secretariat HIV Working Group said, "We Somalis must take the lead in the effort to address the epidemic regardless of political, religious, or other boundaries."

Data from 2004 shows a mean HIV prevalence of 1.4% in Somaliland, 1.0% in Puntland and 0.6 in south central Somalia. More recent data suggests that regional variations continue and that AIDS in Somalia remains a significant epidemic.

The chair of the UN Theme Group on AIDS Mr. Bruno Lemarquis said, "The Joint UN Team on AIDS is increasing efforts to generate more data and strategic information on vulnerable and high-risk populations, which is vital to understanding and addressing the drivers of the Somali epidemic."

Source (Relief web)

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