1. HIV and Disability in Africa Toyin Aderemi Handicap International Ethiopia Email: hiethivta@yahoo.fr Cell no: +251 915 735 797 December 7, 2011hiethivta@yahoo.fr OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN The 16 th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa 4 to 8 December 2011, Addis Ababa www.icasa2011addis.org

2. The 16 th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN Outline Disability in Africa HIV among Africans with disabilities Gaps in HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services Next steps

3. The 16 th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN Disability Disability is a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which in interaction with various barriers may hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others (UNCRPD, 2006) Globally, an estimated 15% of the world’s population lives with disability (WHO & World Bank, 2011) Disability is: –An evolving concept –A human right issue –A development issue, and –A political issue

4. The 16 th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN Disability in Africa Disability prevalence is higher in developing countries like Africa due to poverty, poor healthcare services, conflicts, violence etc –National censuses in Africa often give low prevalence data Persons with disabilities in Africa face: –Stigma and discrimination –Lack of access to education –Limited employment opportunities –Inaccessible healthcare services –Poverty Women/girls with disabilities bear the brunt of disabilities more than men/boys with disabilities

5. The 16 th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN HIV among Africans with disabilities HIV prevalence among Africans with disabilities are comparable to the general population South Africa 14.1% (general) vs. 16.9% (Shisana et al, 2009) 12.5% (mental impairment) vs. 16.9% (Meel, 2009) Yaoundé, Cameroon – 4.0% (deaf) vs. 4.7% (Touko et. al, 2010) Kenya – 7.0% (deaf) vs. 6.7% (Taegtmeyer et al, 2009)

6. The 16 th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN Where are the gaps? UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) –Article 6 – protection of rights of women/girls with disabilities –Article 9 – accessibility –Article 25 – right to health –Article 31 – disability statistics & data collection Despite the above: –National HIV Strategic Plans hardly include women and men with disabilities and persons living with HIV who acquire impairments –HIV prevention, treatment, care & support services in Africa largely remain inaccessible

7. The 16 th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN What next? Domestication of the UNCRPD by African countries Need for evidence-based information on disability and HIV in Africa Disability inclusion in National HIV Strategic Plans to drive the provision of accessible HIV prevention, treatment, care & support services Empowerment and legal protection of women and men living with impairments and HIV

8. The 16 th International Conference on AIDS & STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa OWN, SCALE-UP & SUSTAIN Thank You!