Gabon-28th Session November 2017-HIV and AIDS

Para 65) Between 2020 and 2022, the following measures were taken to strengthen the services provided by the health centre: • Access to various health programmes, including programmes focused on HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, major endemic diseases and women’s cancers, was made free of charge • The laboratory was supplied with medical equipment for diagnosing tuberculosis (GeneXpert) • A unit was opened to screen and provide treatment for tuberculosis, HIV and COVID-19 Para 85) The implementation of the plan to combat HIV/AIDS involved the following: • The adoption of a “test and treat” policy, the decentralization of treatment and comprehensive care for HIV-positive pregnant women • The inclusion of Dolutegravir in the first-line regimen, including for pregnant and breastfeeding women • The use of GeneXpert devices for early diagnosis (polymerase chain reaction) and HIV viral load testing in all provinces • The strengthening of civil society involvement in the response to HIV, tuberculosis and other pandemics, although much remains to be done in this regard • The decriminalization of homosexuality in July 2020, which fostered better access to services and an environment conducive to reducing stigma and discrimination Para 86) Although the involvement of community actors has improved the situation, persons living with HIV/AIDS were particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis owing to the slowdown in HIV-related activities and difficulties in obtaining care for opportunistic diseases. Para 123. The activities carried out to benefit Indigenous Peoples include the following: … • In 2020, an HIV/AIDS outreach campaign was organized in Minvoul with the support of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)