HIV patients skip life saving treatment in Senegal

Health officials in Senegal say a growing number of HIV patients are avoiding treatment centres amid an ongoing crackdown on LGBTQ persons.

The officials said on Wednesday that the trend poses a serious risk to efforts to control the spread of HIV in the country.

In March, authorities increased the maximum jail term for same-sex relations to 10 years and outlawed activities considered to promote such practices.

The law also raised the maximum fine to 10 million CFA francs (about 18,000 dollars).

Reports from rights groups and local media indicate that no fewer than 86 persons have been arrested since the crackdown began in early February.

Among them were 18 individuals detained during a raid on April 19 in Linguere, about 300 kilometres northeast of Dakar.

The government of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has also introduced a new anti-LGBTQ bill before parliament, with two convictions already secured under the legislation.

Those arrested have been charged with “acts against nature” and, in some instances, deliberately transmitting HIV.

Officials contacted, including government and police spokespersons as well as a lawmaker backing the law, declined to comment.

Data from the National Council for the Fight against AIDS (CNLS) indicate that fear of arrest and possible abuse is discouraging some patients from accessing antiretroviral drugs.

Dr Safiatou Thiam, former health minister and CNLS Executive Director, warned that the arrests could negatively impact ongoing HIV response efforts.

She also raised concerns about media reports publishing names and HIV status of suspects, which could expose them to stigma and discrimination.

Thiam said health workers remain committed to patient confidentiality and are engaging law enforcement authorities on the need to uphold it.

According to UNAIDS, Senegal is among a few countries in West and Central Africa where new HIV infections have increased in recent years.

A community health worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said fear has forced some outreach workers into hiding.

The source warned that patients may stop taking medication or avoid treatment entirely to escape suspicion, increasing the risk of HIV-related deaths.

A survey conducted by CNLS in 22 treatment centres showed that 1,803 patients accessed services in February, down from 2,425 in January, a decline of 25.6 per cent.

The survey followed concerns that the crackdown could disrupt HIV testing and treatment across the country.

Authorities are yet to provide further details as the situation develops. (Reuters/NAN)