The project partnership launched in 2018 between AVK Sozialprojekte gGmbH and the Kikwit General Hospital aims to extend the existing HIV programme at Kikwit General Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo in order to reduce HIV-related mortality in the region.
Background:
For more than two decades the Democratic Republic of Congo was gripped by civil war, causing a state of permanent humanitarian crisis which still continues to this day. The prevalence of HIV is estimated to be around 1.2% and is particularly high among women and pregnant women. However, as only a fraction of the population has been tested and there is a severe lack of diagnostic and treatment options, the country has more than 31,000 AIDS-related deaths each year.
Activities:
- Systematically analysing key groups to identify those affected
- Systematically carrying out tests on key groups
- Expanding the database to better gauge need
- Temporary placement of Congolese staff in Germany and ongoing telemedicine consultations
Impact:
The systematic implementation of tests for key groups and the improvement of advice aims to optimise detection, treatment and prevention strategies in the long term. The enhanced quality of treatment is intended to reduce HIV-related mortality in the region.