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. 2025 Nov 1;39(13):1978-1981.
doi: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000004301. Epub 2025 Sep 25.

Partnering with traditional healers to increase HIV testing in Senegal, West Africa

Noelle A Benzekri  1   2 , Jacques F Sambou  3 , Yaya Diedhiou  4 , Mamadou Lamine Sagna  4 , Ibrahima Tito Tamba  4 , Stephen E Hawes  5   6 , Noël Magloire Manga  7 , Geoffrey S Gottlieb  1   6 , Moussa Seydi  8
Affiliations

Partnering with traditional healers to increase HIV testing in Senegal, West Africa

Noelle A Benzekri et al. AIDS. .

Abstract

The goal of this study was to implement and evaluate a traditional healer administered HIV rapid diagnostic testing and referral system in Senegal. Twenty traditional healers were enrolled. Traditional healers offered testing to 1284 individuals. There were no refusals. Of the 1284 individuals who underwent testing, 53 (4.1%) had a positive result. Of the 53 with a positive result, 53 (100%) were referred to clinic. Of the 53 referred to clinic, 38 (71.7%) presented to clinic. Of the 38 who presented to clinic, 31 (81.6%) were confirmed HIV-positive and received ART. This approach provides an acceptable and feasible strategy to increase HIV testing and linkage to care in the region.

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References

    1. UNAIDS. Western and Central Africa regional profile — 2024 global AIDS update the Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads. 2024. Available at: https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/2024-unaids-globa....
    1. Benzekri NA, Sambou JF, Ndong S, Tamba IT, Faye D, Diallo MB, et al. Traditional healers, HIV outcomes, and mortality among people living with HIV in Senegal, West Africa. AIDS 2019; 33:1521–1526.
    1. Benzekri NA, Sambou JF, Ndong S, Diallo MB, Tamba IT, Faye D, et al. Impact of traditional healers on the HIV care cascade in Senegal, West Africa: a longitudinal study. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 105:1290–1297.
    1. Benzekri NA, Sambou JF, Ndong S, Tamba IT, Faye D, Diallo MB, et al. Prevalence, predictors, and management of advanced HIV disease among individuals initiating ART in Senegal, West Africa. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:261.
    1. Israel BA, Schulz AJ, Parker EA, editors. Methods for community-based participatory research for health. Second edition. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass; 2013.

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