[A pioneer in the fight against AIDS in Nigeria]

The Association MVS (French acronym for Mieux Vivre avec le Sida) founded by a physician in Niger in 1994 was the first entity to provide medical and psychological care to symptomatic HIV-infected patients from Niger as well as neighboring countries (Nigeria, Burkina Faso). It has often been at the forefront by offering voluntary screening, undertaking patient management as early as 1998, decentralizing in 2003, and setting up a innovative training facility. Despite these achievements and a solid reputation for excellence in Niger, the Association MVS receives practically no government funding with state subsidies accounting for only 1% of the budget in the last two years. Over the 5-year period ending in 2006, more than 10,000 voluntary screenings were performed with a growing number of requests from women and unsolicited requests. More than 124 patients receive regular follow-up including 73 undergoing ARV treatment. The Association MSV has branches in Tahoua, Zinder, and Agadez. The years 2006 and 2007 have been turning points for the Association MVS because the management facilities need renovation and the awareness unit was forced to close. The screening and patient follow-up center has been able to remain effective since it is located in a quiet area but it is far away from popular neighborhoods. Plans should be made to centralize all activities in a single community friendly location. The experience of the Association MVS underlines the increasing importance of civilian involvement in managing daily problems faced by people and, insofar as possible, in political decision-making on such issues.