Positive living practices among people living with HIV/AIDS in Western Equatoria state, South Sudan

The Western Equatoria state of South Sudan has the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS at 7.2% compared to the national level of 3%. As a hot spot Western Equatoria state poses a real threat in escalating the epidemic due to increased large refugee population movements and interactions. Thus focusing on reducing the risk of HIV transmission among high risk populations and providing critical support services to underserved populations with large numbers of people living with HIV/AIDS is an urgent priority in halting and reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS.

This project conducted a Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) survey in Western Equatoria state to assess positive living practices of 114 HIV positive individuals aged 15 to 54 years from 19 villages. Results indicated that 29.7% knew at least two benefits of taking ARVs, 65.3% self-reported adhering to ARVs, 38.9% used condoms consistently, 41.2% disclosed their status with sexual partner at the last sexual act, and 49.4% were interested in knowing the HIV status of their sexual partners at last sexual act. LQAS follow-up diagnostic focus group interviews were conducted with 60 men and women ages 15-54 year to assess factors related to identified risky behaviors. We learned that economic, social and disclosure vulnerabilities significantly contributed to risky sexual behaviors.

Program priorities were re-framed and new strategies developed in efforts to contain and prevent transmission, as well as improve positive prevention services.