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Preventing infection in a society encouraging multiple partners
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Listen to the Interview
in English
(Windows Media - 2.2 MB) |
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Within only four years, HIV prevalence among the general population in Togo has been reduced by nearly half. Prevention and treatment campaigns implemented by Population Services International (PSI) through the Global Fund and other partners in support of the Government of Togo contributed to this major improvement.
 This success has been achieved despite the challenges posed by the society, which encourages and expects men to have many sexual partners. Also, polygamy is legal in this country. Unprotected sex between poor teenage girls and middle aged men is common. To further prevent HIV, the people of Togo have therefore taken drastic measures which may be shocking to some. To protect their families, some women are encouraging each other to provide condoms to their husbands should they be involved in sex outside marriage. Campaigns try to create shame around risky sexual relationships. Manya Andrews, the PSI Country Representative, explains how the population and local staff tackle this risky behaviour.
" During the time that the Global Fund has been active in Togo the general HIV prevalence rate has dropped from 6% in 2002 to 3.2% in 2006. That is really unique. That is not the case in other countries in West Africa..." |
