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Dynamics of the HIV epidemic in Suriname
Related to country: Suriname

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Dynamics of the HIV epidemic in Suriname

3.1. Youth

Similar to other countries in the region, young persons in Suriname are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Sixty to eighty percent of annual new HIV cases are in the age group 15-49. The data also suggests that young girls are particularly vulnerable. The high prevalence of teen pregnancy (around 20% of annual births) confirms behavioral patterns of early sexual initiation and unprotected sex.

3.2. Maroon & indigenous in the hinterland of Suriname.
According to the currently available data, the maroons are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Since 2002 the Maroons have the highest relative AIDS morbidity and mortality.
Based on the income poverty ratio, 91% of the population living in the interior, mainly Maroons and Indigenous, live below the poverty line . Forced migration, poor educational and health infrastructures and high levels of disease during the years of socio-economic unrest (1980 – 1999) have further deteriorated their living conditions. The particular living conditions in the interior, where a relatively small population (50,000 persons) lives in a large geographical area (80% of the land surface) and the tribal setting and cultural practices including polygamy and early marriage and cultural beliefs regarding sexuality increase the risk for HIV infection for this population.

3.3. Commercial Sex Workers (CSW)
The vulnerability of CSW is well-documented and includes their marginalized position, in particular in a context like Suriname, where commercial sex work is forbidden by the law and tolerated in the margins of society. Therefore CSW have no recognized status or recourse if their human rights are violated by clients, law enforcers, or others. Due to their vulnerability they are at increased risk to become infected with HIV. A recent study (2004) in Suriname among street CSW recorded a high HIV prevalence of 20.4% and inconsistent condom use. Therefore CSW can be considered one of the fuelling factors for the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Suriname.

3.4. Men who have sex with Men (MSM)
Similar to elsewhere in the Caribbean, public MSM behavior is not tolerated and takes place mostly outside of the public eye. One of the concerns raised by the data of a 2005 study is the fact that the MSM community includes a variety of profiles, including self-identified heterosexuals and bisexuals, married men and men living in union with a woman. The data indicates that MSM can potentially be a entry point for the epidemic into the general population.

Source: Country profile HIV in Suriname 2006

August 15, 2008 | 12:02 PM Comments  0 comments

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