Mali: Information on individuals who are HIV-positive
| Publisher | United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services |
| Author | Resource Information Center |
| Publication Date | 25 June 1999 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | MLI99001.ZNY |
| Cite as | United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Mali: Information on individuals who are HIV-positive, 25 June 1999, MLI99001.ZNY, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6a6a32c.html [accessed 17 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Query:
Is there societal discrimination against individuals with HIV in Mali? What medical treatment is available to HIV-positive persons or persons living with AIDS in Mali?
Response:
The number of people who are HIV-positive or have AIDS has been increasing dramatically in recent years in Mali. The disease has spread into Mali primarily through migrant workers who come into the country as seasonal laborers, particularly in the sugar cane and cotton producing areas (Africa News Service 25 Aug. 1997). In some areas of the country, it is estimated that 20 percent of the adult population may have the virus. Mali has a high awareness of the dangers of HIV in its population, and testing for the disease is conducted in three private laboratories and any governmental laboratory (NCIH March/April 1997).
According to a USAID consultant, it is difficult to assess the level of societal discrimination in Mali against those who are HIV-infected or those who have full-blown AIDS because the increase of AIDS and HIV in Mali is fairly recent. Individuals with AIDS often do not reveal their illness for fear of losing their jobs, and many have died alone in hospitals. However, organizations in Mali are beginning to work to improve community and family support for individuals with AIDS, and television stations are running educational clips on AIDS and HIV. Once individuals test positive for HIV, advanced treatment options are available, yet access to treatment is often limited due to individual financial constraints (USAID 11 Nov. 1998).
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the RIC within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Africa News Service. 25 August 1997. "Mali Registers Alarming Spread of AIDS." (Westlaw).
The National Council for International Health (NCIH). March/April 1997. NCIH AIDS Network Newsletter #44.
USAID consultant. 11 November 1998. Email sent to INS-RIC, Washington, D.C..
