SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM - HIV/AIDS IN WEST AFRICAHV/AIDSPROJECT HGHLIGHTS

The West Africa region has an estimated population of 250 million. The vast majority of this population is still uninfected by HIV and requires large scale prevention efforts.

Considering population mobility, high-risk behaviors, armed conflict, and poverty in the region, there is a potential for explosion of the epidemic if appropriate and timely prevention measures are not taken. In addition to this crucial need for large scale prevention interventions for the region, there is a need to expand access to care and treatment to respond to the needs of the estimated 6,269,000 people already living with HIV/AIDS in the region and those affected by the epidemic.

JOINING TOGETHER TO FIND A SOLUTION

The AWARE-HIV/AIDS program is strategically structured to leverage the work of West Africans battling the epidemic. AWARE-HIV/AIDS is designed to enhance and provide support to national programs meeting HIV/AIDS head on at each point of attack in an effort to improve the health and well-being of the population.

AWARE-HIV/AIDS ACTIVITIES ARE FOCUSED ON:

• Providing opportunities for sharing experiences and lessons learned across the region and their    replication

• Contributing to the creation of an environment conducive to HIV/AIDS prevention and care through    advocacy and policy dialogue

•  Strengthening the capacity of regional institutions and networks

•  Disseminating health sector reform models