This study outlines the initialchallenge presented by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, describesDjibouti's response, reviews the results achieved andthe enabling factors in curbing the spread of the epidemic,and identifies remaining challenges. Between 2002 and 2008,HIV prevalence among young pregnant women aged 15-24 wasreduced from 2.7 percent to 1.9 percent and among sentinelsurveillance groups from 2.5 percent to 1.9 percent. HIVprevalence among tuberculosis patients was reduced from anestimated 22 percent to 12 percent. Condom use during lastintercourse outside marriage increased from 27 percent to 55percent and reached 95 percent among sex workers. Among thegeneral population, awareness of HIV/AIDS increased to 95percent and knowledge about transmission and prevention roseto 50 percent. Political commitment, engagement of communityand religious leaders, rigorous communication, socialmarketing and the provision of an integrated package ofmedical and social services, and donor harmonization wereamong the key factors that contributed to the achievement ofthese results. Despite these impressive results in arelatively short period, Djibouti still has to addressseveral challenges and consolidate program gains, but mostimportantly, funds are being mobilized from governmentresources to sustain the national AIDS control program.
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