The United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has a new country director for Togo, Dr. Christian Mouala, who officially began his duties with a mission to build on the nation’s significant progress toward eliminating the epidemic.
Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Dussey received the letter of appointment for the new UNAIDS-Togo leader last week, according to officials. Dr. Mouala will be based at the multi-country office in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
“The UNAIDS representative will ensure the coordination and strengthening of the national response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, in close collaboration with the government, civil society, and technical and financial partners,” a statement from Lomé confirmed.
His work will focus on intensifying prevention efforts and improving access to testing and treatment services in the country, which has demonstrated “progress” in combating HIV/AIDS in recent years. This appointment comes at a crucial time for global health initiatives focused on controlling and ultimately eradicating HIV.
Data from the National Council for AIDS Control (CNLS) indicates that as of 2024, nearly 98% of people living with HIV in Togo know their status, up from 90% the previous year. Therapeutic coverage has remained stable at 92%, while 85% of patients under follow-up have an undetectable viral load.
These results align with the “95-95-95” strategy – a framework adopted to structure the national response, aiming for 95% of people living with HIV to be diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed to be on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression. Achieving these targets is vital for curbing the spread of the virus and improving the health of those affected.
