DRC: People with HIV/AIDS break their silence in Katanga

For the first time in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), people infected by the disease have spoken out publicly about their condition, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported.

The event, which took place on Saturday in Lubumbashi, was organised by the National Programme for the Fight Against AIDS office in Katanga, in collaboration with a provincial-level alliance of NGOs working to curb the disease, and UNICEF.

The gathering had two primary objectives, the UNICEF spokeswoman, Marie-Claire Yaya, said. First, to educate the public about the reality of the disease and to influence a change in their behaviour; and second to battle against the discrimination, rejection and stigmatisation to which people with HIV/AIDS are often subjected.

"This is an important step in the fight against AIDS in the province, because until now, despite widespread awareness of the disease - estimated at 92 percent - and a prevalence rate of about 8.6 percent among pregnant women, people affected [by HIV/AIDS] have not dared to make their status known for fear of being stigmatised and rejected by society," she said.

The ceremony concluded with an appeal for funds in support of people with HIV/AIDS. Any money collected will be presented to beneficiaries during a ceremony to mark World AIDS Day on 1 December.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews,

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]