OFID-Sierra Leone

In Sierra Leone, the HIV prevalence is higher in women (1.7%) than in men (1.2%), reflecting gender inequities; in urban areas (2.5%) than in rural areas(1%); in those over 25 years old (1.7%) than those younger (1%). The HIV prevalence is also particularly high in mobile workforce sectors such as diamond and gold mining (1.3%) compared to the general population. The OFID-ILO partnership programme provided support to the post-conflict reconstruction of Sierra Leone in its HIV responses by partnering directly with the National AIDS Secretariat Unit responsible for workplace interventions. This unique partnership has achieved an unprecedented level of treatment adherence and uptake of voluntary counselling and testing among mine workers and the communities surrounding the mining camps. This programme also facilitated the development of sectoral HIV workplace policies and programmes for Education, Fishery sectors in addition to the Mining sector.