In Senegal, growing fears linked to a government crackdown on LGBTQ individuals are beginning to disrupt the country’s fight against HIV, as fewer patients visit treatment centres, according to health officials and data reviewed by Reuters.
The situation follows a tougher stance by authorities, including new legislation that increases penalties for same-sex relationships. The law now allows for prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines reaching 10 million CFA francs. Since early February, dozens of arrests have been reported, with human rights groups and local media citing at least 86 individuals detained. Some arrests occurred during coordinated raids, including one in Linguere, northeast of Dakar.
Health experts warn that the crackdown is having unintended consequences. Data from the National Council for the Fight Against AIDS (CNLS) shows a sharp decline in clinic visits, with patient numbers dropping by over 25 percent between January and February. Officials believe fear of arrest, harassment, or being publicly identified is discouraging people — especially men who have sex with men — from seeking treatment or picking up life-saving antiretroviral drugs.
Medical professionals have also raised concerns about breaches of privacy. Some media outlets reportedly published the identities and HIV status of arrested individuals, increasing stigma and deepening fears within affected communities.
Community health workers say the atmosphere has become tense and dangerous. One worker, speaking anonymously, described being too afraid to leave home, warning that interruptions in treatment could lead to more HIV-related deaths as patients abandon care out of fear.
Although Senegal’s overall HIV prevalence remains relatively low at about 0.3 percent, infection rates have been rising in recent years, particularly among vulnerable groups. Experts caution that disrupting treatment not only harms individuals but also increases the risk of further transmission.
International health organisations, including UNAIDS and the World Health Organization, have long warned that criminalising marginalised groups can drive them away from essential health services, undermining public health efforts.
While the government has stated that medical services should remain protected under the new law, advocacy groups say the current climate has already forced some organisations to suspend outreach programmes, especially those targeting high-risk populations.
As the crackdown continues, health officials fear the long-term impact could reverse years of progress in controlling HIV in Senegal.
Sources: Reuters
