Benin

Key Results in 2022-2023

Sexual and reproductive health and HIV testing services reached thousands of people, including adolescents, young people and key populations.
Healthcare providers received training on service delivery to improve quality of treatment and prevention of vertical transmission of HIV services.
Over 2500 people were sensitized on HIV and gender-based violence prevention and case management.

Joint Programme Results

In 2022-2023, Benin continued to scale up HIV prevention, testing and treatment services, including prevention of vertical transmission of HIV through capacity building and strategic support from the Joint Programme. For instance, evidence generated from assessments of pilot pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programmes and implementation of index testing was used to improve service delivery across the country (UNAIDS Secretariat). Besides, nearly 1500 young people in public universities received information and in-person guidance on sexual and reproductive health during a sexual health education promotion week supported by the Joint Programme. Strategic support and capacity building of 14 community-based services providers from 11 university infirmaries also enabled over 6900 adolescents and young people to access HIV, sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis B as well as breast and cervical cancer screening services (UNFPA).

An optimization action plan was developed to achieve the first 95 target in Benin, following the Joint Programme-led assessment of factors contributing to the low uptake of HIV testing services among men. Family screening campaigns reached 2727 family members of people living with HIV with HIV testing services, and 83 people who tested HIV positive were enrolled in treatment (UNICEF). In addition, 1193 gay men and other men who have sex with men and transgender people were also tested for HIV, thanks to the Joint Programme’s financial support to BESYP, an LGBTQI+ communities’ network (UNAIDS Secretariat).

HIV incidence per 1000 uninfected populations

Source: AIDSinfo

AIDS mortality per 1000 population

Source: AIDSinfo

Progress towards 95-95-95 targets

Source: AIDSinfo

A total of 51 healthcare providers, including doctors and paramedics improved their capacity in managing antiretroviral treatment while 45 medical biologists from 12 departments received training in HIV and viral load sampling (WHO). To improve treatment adherence, 40 health workers and social assistants built their capacity in delivering psychological and nutritional care among people living with HIV in Djougou and Kétou communes. Similarly, 40 leaders from associations of people living with HIV in five departments have increased capacity in delivering nutrition and hygiene education and in monitoring the nutritional status of people living with HIV. A total of eight groups and associations of people living with HIV also benefited from agricultural inputs and equipment donated by the Joint Programme to support creation of income generating activities (WFP).

To reinforce services for the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV, 120 nurses and midwives from public and private maternity units improved their skills in the promotion and management of HIV self-testing with a focus on screening spouses of pregnant women; and 83 health workers countrywide received training in syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (WHO). In addition, 54 husbands from Alibori and Borgou had orientation on the advantages of partner attendance in antenatal care HIV screening which resulted in increased uptake of testing services (UNICEF).

A total of 2520 people including women working on markets, members of men’s committees against gender-based violence and elected officials were sensitised on the prevention of gender-based violence and case management, as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. In addition, 74 young people living with HIV aged 18-24 years also improved their understanding of HIV and gender-based violence prevention, human rights, safe choices and transformative leadership to end AIDS (UNDP).

An evaluation study on the delivery of HIV services was conducted in the northern part of Benin affected by security concerns, with technical and financial support from the Joint Programme. Results from the study will help address persisting challenges in the HIV response, including the increasing number of people lost to follow up, the low treatment adherence and the low HIV screening (UNAIDS Secretariat).