HIV Prevalence in Cameroon: Findings from the 2011 DHS-MICSThe 2011 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey and Multiple Indicators Cluster Surveys (DHS-MICS) included HIV testing of 7,221 women age 15-49 and 6,981 men age 15-59. According to the survey, 4.3% of adults age 15-49 are HIV-positive.

HIV prevalence is highest in South Region (7.2%), East Region, (6.3%), and North West Region (6.3%). HIV prevalence is lowest in Extreme North Region (1.2%) and North Region (2.4%).

HIV prevalence is almost twice as high among women (5.6%) as men (2.9%). Among women, HIV prevalence is higher among those living in urban areas (6.4%) than those living in rural areas (4.6%). There is little difference among men, as 3.0% of men living in urban areas are HIV-positive compared to 2.7% of men living in rural areas.

HIV prevalence is highest among women who are widwed (17.9%) or divorced (15.7%), and among widowed men (10.6%). HIV prevalence is least common among never married women and men (2.9% et 1.0%, respectively).

For women and men, HIV prevalence increases quickly with age until it peaks at age 35-39 for women and age 45-49 for men.

HIV prevalence is lowest among women and men who have had no education. Among women, HIV prevalence is highest among those with primary or secondary/1st cycle education, while men with secondary/2nd cycle or more are most likely to be HIV-positive.

Overall HIV prevalence in Cameroon has decreased since 2004, from 5.5% to 4.3%.

About 1 in 20 pregnant women are HIV-positive.

HIV Prevalence

Percentage

Cameroon Urban Rural

Women15-49

Men15-49

Total15-49

5.6

2.94.3

6.4

3.0

4.8 4.6

2.73.8

Trends in HIV Prevalence

5.54.3 4.1

6.85.6

2.9

Women15-49

Men15-49

Perc

enta

ge

2004 DHS 2011 DHS-MICS

Total

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49

Women MenHIV Prevalence by Age

Perc

enta

ge

Age

HIV Prevalence by Region

Extreme North1.2%

North2.4%

Adamaoua5.1%

East6.3%

South7.2%

Center6.1%

Yaoundé6.3%

West 2.8%

North West6.3%

South West5.7%

Littoral3.9%

Douala4.6%

HIV Prevalence by EducationWomen 15-49 Men 15-49

Percentage

Noeducation

Primary Secondary1st cycle

Secondary 2nd cycleor more

2.81.7

6.6

3.1

6.6

2.5

5.2

3.5

HIV Prevalence by Marital Status

2.91.0

5.3 4.6

15.7

5.1

Women 15-49 Men 15-49

Nevermarried

Married/in union

Divorced/separated

Widowed

Perc

enta

ge

17.9

10.6

2011 CameroonDemographic and Health Survey and Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (DHS-MICS)

HIV Prevalence

Response rate and methodology: HIV prevalence data were obtained from fingerstick dried blood spots voluntarily provided by women age 15-49 and men age 15-59 interviewed in the 2011 DHS-MICS. Of the 15,265 eligible subjects, 93% provided blood spots. Response rates were slightly higher among women (94%) than men (92%).

For more information on the results of the 2011 Cameroon DHS-MICS, contact:

The 2011 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey and Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (DHS-MICS 2011) was conducted in Cameroon from January to August 2011, by the Institut National de la Statistique (INS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health.The DHS-MICS was implemented with financial support from the Government of Cameroon, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the World Bank. Other institutions provided their expertise in the implementation of the survey, in particular the Pasteur Center of Cameroon (CPC) for the HIV testing component. ICF International provided assistance through the MEASURE DHS program funded by USAID.

Cover photo © Comité National de Lutte contre le Sida (CNLS)

In Cameroon:L’Institut National de la Statistique (INS)BP 134, Yaoundé, CamerounTelephone: (237) 22 22 04 45Fax: (237) 22 23 24 37Website: www.statistics-cameroon.org In USA:MEASURE DHS, ICF International11785 Beltsville DriveCalverton, MD 20705 USATelephone: 301-572-0200Fax: 301-572-0999Website: www.measuredhs.com

Almost 2% of young people age 15-24 are HIV-positive. Among young women, HIV prevalence is slightly higher in those living in urban areas (2.9%) than those living in rural areas (2.6%).

Among women, HIV prevalence is higher among those from wealthier households. There is no clear association between HIV prevalence and household wealth for men.

5.9% of couples are discordant, meaning that only one partner is HIV-positive. In 1.5% of couples,

both the woman and the man tested positive for HIV.

« L’Excellence en Biologie accessible à tous »

HIV Prevalence by Household Wealth

2.61.2

4.93.4

5.9

2.6 3.1

6.6

3.5

Richesthouseholds

Women 15-49 Men 15-49

Perc

enta

ge

Pooresthouseholds

6.9

HIV Prevalence among Youth Age 15-24Women 15-24 Men 15-24

Perc

enta

ge

Cameroon Urban Rural

Total 15-24

2.70.5 1.7

2.90.5 1.7 2.6

0.5 1.6