In The Gambia, the WHO World Health Report (2004) indicates an adult mortality11 rate per 1000 population of 330 for males and 265 for females. Life expectancy for males is 55.4; for females 58.9. Healthy life expectancy is 48.5 for males; 50.5 for females.12
HIV/AIDS is a huge burden for sub-Saharan Africa. Throughout the region in 2003, an estimated 23-27 million people were thought to be living with the disease which also caused up to 2.5 million deaths. This represents a huge loss and impacts significantly on health systems and social and family structures.
Gambia is a country in Western Africa that has been affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis. Estimates suggest that in Gambia, between 1,800 and 24,000 people were living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2003. In the same year, up to 600 adults and children are thought to have died from the disease (Table 3).
Table 3 The Gambia HIV and AIDS estimates, end 2003
Adults (15-49) HIV prevalence rate. |
1.2%
(Range 0.3%-4.2%).
|
Adults (15-49) living with HIV. |
6,300
(Range 1,700-23,000)
|
Adults and children (0-49) living with HIV |
6,800
(Range 1,800-24,000).
|
Women (15-49) living with HIV. |
3,600
(Range 970-13,000).
|
AIDS deaths (adults and children) in 2003. |
600
(Range 200-1500).
|
UNAIDS reports:
Tuberculosis and malaria are major health problems in Gambia; in 2000, the malaria prevalence rate was 17,340 per 100,000, while TB affected 283 per 100,000 in 2001. The government has acknowledged the necessity of a multicultural/multisectoral response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic for successful containment. A National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) was formed in 1987, followed in 1995 by a National AIDS Committee, which developed a National AIDS Policy. The National AIDS Secretariat (NAS) was formed in 2000, supported by the National AIDS Council (NAC) as a policy building body. At present there are five Divisional AIDS Committees (DACs) throughout the Gambia supporting national initiatives and monitoring local needs.
The UNAIDS Theme Group TWG has provided technical assistance in the review of the national socio-cultural survey, which is intended for use in the various HIV/AIDS related planning and intervention activities. The UNAIDS Theme Group TWG participated in the formulation, development and revision of a five-year National Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS and contributed toward its successful formulation. UNAIDS participated in the development and revision of the Global Fund Project Proposal, with the assistance of international and national consultants. The Theme Group was involved in the analysis of the situation of people living with HIV in the Gambia.
The situation analysis is expected to identify the existing support groups for people living with HIV; assess the needs of people living with HIV; assess the capacity and gaps of existing organizations; and identify the way forward to strengthen their capacity. UNAIDS, in collaboration with the NAS, coordinated the Department of State for Youth and Sports and the National Youth Council to mobilize Gambian youth to attend the Pan-African Youth Forum in Dakar (22–26 March 2004). The National Youth Council established a task force and facilitated coordination, and 15 youths were able to attend the forum.13
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