HIV/AIDS
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© G Pirozzi/UNICEF Egypt |
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Examining blood samples at a testing centre in Egypt |
Country Setting
Egypt is classified as a low HIV prevalence country in the general population, although very limited data is available relating to vulnerable groups. However, since the 1990s, Egypt – like other countries in the region -- has witnessed a rapid increase in the reported number of HIV cases. Between 2004 and 2005 alone, the estimated number of HIV cases rose from 12,000 to 17,000.
Other facts particular to Egypt underline a high magnitude of risk: up to 30% of married women in remote rural areas have sexually transmitted infections. Data on condom use rate among married women using contraceptives reflect a decline. In addition, Egypt has high levels of Hepatitis C, a virus with similar modes of transmission to HIV.
There is also evidence of high-risk behaviour, such as needle sharing and unprotected sexual relations among injecting drug users. At particular risk are up to 1 million street children in Cairo and Alexandria who are often subjected to violence and sexual exploitation.
The high level of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV (PLWH) is an important reason for the limited number of people undergoing voluntary testing. This is especially the case for high-risk groups such as sex workers, intravenous drug users and men having sex with men.
The absence of information and knowledge on STDs and HIV/AIDS, together with the lack of counseling and guidance at schools and within the family and the health system, put young people at particular risk.
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© G Pirozzi/UNICEF Egypt |
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Testing and consultations are treated confidentially |
UNICEF in Action
Unite For Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign
The 5-year campaign – launched in November 2006 – provides a platform for urgent, effective and sustained programmes and advocacy. In Egypt, the specific areas of focus for the campaign will be:
• Prevention of HIV/AIDS among young people: special attention will be given to young girls and high-risk groups such as street children.
• Care and support for vulnerable children
• Fighting stigma against people living with HIV by working with media and opinion leaders and building partnerships – e.g including the private sector and PLWH
Care and Support for PLWH
UNICEF is the lead UN agency providing services for the care and support of PLWH, working in partnership with government and civil society. Interventions include strengthening support groups and services for PLWH and their families, as well as improving the quality of HIV/AIDS services (eg Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centres and hotline services).
Research, Monitoring and Evaluation
The 2003 HIV/AIDS National Situation Analysis shed light on the information gap in key areas needed to guide thinking and to allow surveillance of the epidemic. UNICEF will conduct behavioral surveillance surveys among street children, in coordination with the National AIDS Programme, in order to determine trends for risks and HIV surveillance among this group.
