Trends in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Benin (1990-1993

Since 1990 within the framework of a National Program against AIDS, surveillance in the Republic of Benin has relied on disease-control centers established in 20 selected locations. Seropositivity for HIV is always established by Western-blotting and diagnosis of AIDS is based on BANGUI/WHO clinical criteria and positive serologic tests. On June 30, 1993, the cumulative number of AIDS cases reported to the WHO was 12/100000 inhabitants of Benin. The sex-ratio was 2 to 1 and 77.4% of cases occurred in the 20 to 49 year age range. Heterosexual transmission accounted for 75.8% of cases and mother-to-child transmission for 6.4%. Overall the cumulative number of AIDS cases doubled each year from 1990 to 1992. The prevalence of HIV antibodies in target groups has been steady: less than 1% of blood donors and urban or rural women undergoing prenatal examinations. The prevalence of HIV antibodies has risen significantly every year among patients with tuberculosis and people consulting for sexually transmitted diseases. These findings corroborate the notion that the incidence of positive serologic tests for HIV is low in Benin: less than 1% of the adult population.