It is believed
that the civil war contributed towards
the limited spread of HIV/AIDS, as
the country was closed off from extensive
interaction with other countries.
Southern Sudan therefore experiences
a relatively low incidence of HIV/AIDS
with HIV/AIDS prevalence rates estimated
around 2.6% of the adult population.
The peace process and subsequent opening
of the Southern Sudan borders and
the interior, may well present a problem
with the potential risk of increased
HIV/AIDS transmission. There is limited
statistical evidence and data to provide
an accurate picture of the patterns
and key drivers of the epidemic in
the country.
The 2004 Sudan Millennium Development
Goals Unified Interim Report states
that since September 2002, Sudan has
faced a countrywide challenge when
it comes to HIV/AIDS. There are however
regional variations in that the prevalence
of HIV/AIDS infection is higher in
the Southern states, Eastern states,
Khartoum and White Nile State. Almost
all transmission, 94%, is the result
of heterosexual transmission, with
vertical transmission from mother
to child accounting for 2.4%. Sudan’s
situation is made even more difficult
since the epidemic has taken a grip
in neighbouring countries –
and there is free movement across
the porous borders. HIV prevalence
rates may be higher in areas that
have experienced greater population
mobility and contact with other neighbouring
countries, such as Uganda, DRC, and
Ethiopia that are believed to have
higher HIV/AIDS prevalence rates.
Objectives
• The objective of the HIV/AIDS
Prevention and Care Programme in Southern
Sudan is to improve the knowledge
of HIV/AIDS and the practise of its
preventive measures in the general
adult population, youth and vulnerable
population sub-groups.
• To develop and expand treatment,
care and support services for people
and families living with HIV/AIDS.
• To build the capacity of the
New Sudan National AIDS Council (NSNAC),
NGOs and local institutions to effectively
manage and monitor HIV/AIDS programmes.
Snapshots of the project's major achievements
• In July 2007, the process
for the development of the National
Strategic Framework for HIV/AIDS began
with a stakeholder’s workshop
in Rumbek and a launch in Juba. The
document is currently in its final
stages of review.
• In August 2007, the process
for the development of the National
Behaviour Change Strategy began, through
a social mapping exercise in 10 counties
from 5 states. A team of consultants,
together with counterparts from state
and county AIDS commission offices,
is currently in the field collecting
information through qualitative methods
to develop the NBC strategy.
• The first antiretroviral (ARV)
treatment site in Yei hospital was
opened in October 2007 under the Global
Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria
(GFATM).
• In support of the scaling
up of an effective national response
to HIV/AIDS, the first National Strategic
Framework and Policies on HIV/AIDS
has been developed
• The Southern Sudan HIV/AIDS
Monitoring and Evaluation framework
has been finalised and the Southern
Sudan AIDS Commission budget for 2009
has been developed
• The Behavioral Change Communication
campaign for high risk groups was
successfully concluded in Yei and
Kajo-Keji field locations in collaboration
with the Southern Sudan Aids Commission
State Directors, and partners in the
nine states of Southern Sudan.
• The Southern Sudan Network
of PLHIV Draft constitution was finalized,
and a sixty day plan was developed
with the support of UNAIDS and passed
by the Executive.
• 460 media representatives,
community leaders, government and
NGO staff, teachers and peer educators
from various groups have been trained
in communication, peer education and
prevention education .
• 123 trainers and school teachers
have been trained.
• 6 schools with teachers have
been trained in the provision of life-skills
based HIV/AIDS education.
• 10 towns have completed the
mapping of high risk groups.
• 2 Counties with service delivery
points have been set up and are providing
a package of preventive services.
• 460 people from high risk
groups have received Behavioral Change
and Communication programs.
• 846 people have completed
the testing and counseling process.
• 12 Service Deliverers have
been trained in the provision of ART/PMTCT
Services
• 2 health facilities providing
advanced interventions for prevention
and medical treatment of people living
with HIV, including PMTCT have been
set up.
• 67 people (adults, women/mothers,
adolescents and infants) are receiving
ARVs
• 469 ANC mothers and STI people
have been tested for HIV and Syphilis
• 10 service deliverers have
been trained in syndromic management
of STI
