The Contribution of the Centre de Prise en Charge Intégrée des Addictions de Dakar (CEPIAD) to Senegal’s HIV Program through Harm Reduction (HR) Activities

Abstract

The Usagers de Drogues au Sénégal (UDSEN) survey, conducted in Dakar in 2011, showed high rates of HIV and HCV prevalence among injecting drug users (IDUs). The launch of harm reduction activities in 2011, following the UDSEN survey, and the opening of the Centre de Prise en Charge Intégrée des Addictions de Dakar (CEPIAD) in 2015, have led to a reduction in the HIV prevalence rate among injecting drug users, from 5.2% in 2011 to 1% in 2015, and 0.21% in 2022. CDIs who wish to be referred to CEPIAD are directed by the field team. Routine HIV screening is offered to CDIs during CEPIAD consultations, and advanced strategy screening sessions are organized quarterly. All HIV-positive injecting drug users are put on antiretroviral treatment and monitored by CEPIAD’s physician or a physician of their choice.