Senegal's Aggressive AIDS Strategy Saves Thousands From Infection

Senegal, an impoverished nation of 10 million on Africa's west coast, has an HIV/AIDS rate that has never risen above 2 percent. The country's prevention efforts have saved tens of thousands of lives.

Senegal's fight against HIV/AIDS succeeds partly because government officials and Islamic leaders agreed to allow more open discussion about sexual behavior that can lead to HIV infection. Scientists in the country made research breakthroughs that sparked national pride, and health officials initiated programs that targeted marginal groups likely to spread the disease.

Since 1969, Senegal has allowed prostitutes over 21 to work as long as they registered with a health clinic and saw doctors for monthly checkups and free condoms. The government even provided health and dental benefits to the children of prostitutes who complied with the registry.

More than a decade ago, the government began meeting with Islamic leaders who began to preach that the threat of HIV/AIDS was another strong reason for abstinence and marital fidelity. The religious leaders also tacitly agreed not to object to the government's promotion of condom use. Senegal's leaders tightened screening of blood donations and intensified treatment efforts for other STDs.

In an effort unique to Africa, Senegal developed a team of scientists to work alongside political leaders and foreign disease specialists to battle AIDS. Senegal's scientists have monitored HIV and other STDs in prostitutes since 1985. They developed new, less-expensive methods for HIV studies and laid down guidelines for treatment.

Senegal had four HIV/AIDS specialists in 1985; it has 60 now. The Harvard School of Public Health has been a long-time partner in the Senegalese effort, sending scientists to Senegal, training Senegalese scientists at Harvard, and hosting conferences in Dakar. The European Union, France, and the United States have also provided assistance. Senegal has not received more foreign aid than other African countries; it has leveraged overseas assistance with millions of its own money.

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