Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone has approximately 81,000 individuals living with HIV, according to data from the National AIDS Secretariat.
Alarmingly, more than 22,000 of these individuals are not receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy, raising serious concerns about the country’s progress toward achieving global HIV control targets.
Current statistics show a national HIV prevalence of 1.7 percent among adults aged 15 to 49. The epidemic is more pronounced in urban areas, where prevalence reaches 2.3 percent, compared to 1.2 percent in rural communities.
The burden of HIV is unevenly distributed across key populations. Female sex workers face a prevalence rate of 11.8 percent, while men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs experience rates of 3.2 percent and 4.2 percent, respectively. Incarcerated individuals are also disproportionately affected, with a prevalence of 3.7 percent.
Women are particularly vulnerable to HIV, with a prevalence rate of 2.2 percent compared to 1.1 percent among men. Health officials cite social and economic vulnerabilities as key factors driving this gender disparity.
Treatment coverage estimates vary widely. Data supported by UNAIDS suggest that 95 percent of people living with HIV are aware of their status, and about 90 percent are on antiretroviral therapy. However, national program data paint a more concerning picture: only around 76 percent of those infected know their status, and while treatment access is relatively high, only 45 percent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression—a crucial indicator of effective management and long-term health outcomes.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2023 alone, Sierra Leone experienced an estimated 1,200 HIV-related deaths. Currently, approximately 61,773 adults are on treatment. Despite some progress, officials emphasize that Sierra Leone has yet to meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which aim for 95 percent of all people living with HIV to know their status, 95 percent of diagnosed individuals on treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment achieving viral suppression.
Civil society organizations are urging the government to intensify community testing initiatives, combat widespread stigma, and close the treatment gaps affecting high-risk populations. Experts warn that complacency is not an option if Sierra Leone is to curb its HIV epidemic and improve health outcomes for its citizens.
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