HIV/AIDS: MINSANTE and UNAIDS sensitise truck drivers

The Minister of Public Health, Andre Mama Fouda and the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibe have launched a communication campaign in Awae in the Centre region to promote the systematic and correct use of condoms especially amongst long-distant truck drivers.

The campaign, amongst other things is aimed at reducing the rate of new infections by the HIV/AIDS virus.

Awae is a locality that is a main junction for the many trailers, timber transporting vehicles and other heavy-duty trucks carrying goods across Cameroon.

According to available statistics from the Ministry of Public Health, these truck drivers, due to the vulnerability of their activities, fall within the group with one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV in Cameroon.

Statistics reveal that 16 per cent of the drivers are HIV positive because they stay long periods out of their homes, leading to the existence of multiple sexual partners.

At the launch of the campaign in Awae, Michel Sidibe called upon the target groups to realise the importance of the campaign and stay away from HIV/AIDS, not only as a personal protection but in a bid to protect the entire family.

Michel Sidibe also held working sessions with officials of the Ministry of Public Health to assess how far the Cameroon Government has gone in the fight against the HIV/AIDS virus.

The recent campaign is in line with UNAIDS' 2011 – 2015 Global Plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections.