HIV/AIDS in Niger

Prevalence

2007 estimates put the number of HIV positive Nigeriens at 60,000 or 0.8% of total population, with 4,000 deaths in that year. United Nations estimates in 2008 gave similar figures, giving Niger one of the lowest infection rates on the continent.

2008 estimates ranged from 44,000 to 85,000 people living with HIV in a nation of around 14 million, with an adult (aged 15 to 49) prevalence rate of between 0.6% and 1.1%. Adults aged 15 and up living with HIV were estimated to range from 42,000 to 81,000, with women of this age range making up about a third (12,000 to 26,000). Estimates of children (under 14) living with HIV were between 2,500 and 4,200. Total deaths were estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,600 per year. AIDS orphans (under 17) were estimated at between 18,000 and 39,000.

The government of Niger has coordinated educational campaigns around sexual activity and condom use to stem HIV infection. Condom use remains low by international standards.

Vulnerability to HIV

A 2001 study found that vulnerability to HIV infection is potentially high among a study group in the capital, Niamey. Infection via sharing personal objects was the most cited vector of HIV transmission, and that little association amongst respondents was made between HIV and sexual activity. Men were less likely than women to recognize the use of condoms as a preventive measure, or that unprotected sex is a risk factor for infection.

While 97% knew what a condom was, only 31% reported ever used a condom, 51% among those self-identified as sexually active. Of the sexually active in the survey, only 57% reported using a condom during their last sexual contact. 60% of those interviewed reported themselves to be sexually active, and the vast majority reported being in a monogamous relationships and perceived a low HIV risk.

Prevalence

The first cases of HIV/AIDS in Mali were reported in 1985. While the adult HIV prevalence was still relatively low at 1.7% according to the 2001 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), it is estimated that HIV prevalence in the general population could triple by 2010 if appropriate prevention measures are not taken immediately.

Vulnerability to HIV infection in Mali is associated with a variety of factors, such as poverty, poor health conditions, certain cultural practices, and low literacy levels. Cultural factors related to HIV vulnerability may include male dominance of women, the early onset of sexual activity among females, and polygamy, while poverty may result in increased prostitution. migration is also a significant contributor to HIV infection, as HIV prevalence in neighboring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso is substantially higher than in Mali. Political and social troubles in countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Sierra Leone are also believed to contribute to increased HIV transmission across borders.

Recorded rates of HIV infection are higher in Malian women than in men, particularly among pregnant women 25–29 years of age, in whom prevalence is almost 5%. The estimated ratio of HIV-infected young women to young men is 4.5:1. Low condom use and a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are important contributing factors for HIV transmission in Mali. Condom use by young males 15–24 years of age is approximately 30%, but among young females it is as low as 14%. Condom use is also low among other vulnerable populations, such as military personnel, truck drivers, and vendors. A recent survey found that only 12% of women vendors in Bamako (with an estimated HIV seroprevalence of 6.7%) reported using a condom with their last non-regular partner.

National response

The commitment of the Government of Mali to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment is evident. The National AIDS Program was restructured in 2002, creating the Supreme National Council for AIDS (HCNLS), headed by the President of Mali; in 2004, an Executive Secretariat was added to the HCNLS to coordinate multisectoral HIV/AIDS-related programming. The National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS Control (2001–2005) was developed, and planning for a new strategic plan (2005–2009) has begun; in March 2004, the government signed a national declaration of HIV/AIDS policy.

References

References

1. [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/ CIA World Factbook, 2009 update, 2007 estimate figures].
2. [http://www.unaids.org/en/CountryResponses/Countries/niger.asp UNAIDS country overview]. Accessed 2009-02-20.
3. [http://data.unaids.org/pub/FactSheet/2008/sa08_nig_en.pdf Country situation analysis:Niger]. UN Aids Agency (January 2008). {{Webarchive. link. (2009-02-25)
4. (July 2025)
5. [https://web.archive.org/web/20050827122600/http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/aids/Countries/africa/mali_05.pdf "Health Profile: Mali"]. [[USAID]] (February 2005). {{PD-notice