Senegal’s Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene has reiterated national HIV prevention and treatment measures following the arrest of twelve individuals accused of deliberately transmitting the virus in the Dakar suburbs of Keur Massar and Diamniadio.
Authorities say the suspects face charges including criminal conspiracy and intentional transmission of HIV. Eight of those arrested have tested positive for the virus, two are awaiting confirmation, and four tested negative.
The ministry emphasized that HIV is mainly spread through sexual contact, blood exposure, or mother-to-child transmission, and stressed the importance of prevention tools, free confidential testing, and universal access to antiretroviral therapy.
Health officials noted that the majority of people living with HIV in Senegal are aware of their status and that effective treatment can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, preventing further transmission.
Under Senegalese law, knowingly transmitting HIV carries prison terms of five to ten years and significant financial penalties. National data from 2023 indicate that nearly 42,000 people are living with HIV in the country, including thousands of women and children.
The arrests coincide with investigations into a separate alleged child exploitation network reportedly active for years, which authorities say involved the abuse of vulnerable minors. Multiple suspects have been named and arrest warrants issued as inquiries continue.
The Health Ministry called for collective responsibility and national solidarity, urging the public to avoid stigma that could undermine access to care, particularly for children and adolescents living with HIV.
