A Facebook post from the account 'Blacka Bakanal' claimed that 70% of women aged 19 to 35 in Bangui are HIV-positive. Public health data contradicts these figures. The 2025 ONUSIDA report states the HIV prevalence rate in the Central African Republic is 2.4% for people aged 15 to 49. This digital claim, which has circulated on social media platforms, lacks any foundation in the verified epidemiological records maintained by national and international health monitoring organizations.
Official Data Refutes Claims
The 2025 ONUSIDA report indicates 3.0% of women and 1.7% of men in the Central African Republic live with HIV. These figures align with findings from the 2024 WHO report, which states that HIV prevalence is 3.1% for women and 1.8% for men aged 15 to 49. The data provided by the WHO report serves as a standardized benchmark for assessing the health landscape across the Central African Republic. By contrasting the 70% figure cited in the 'Blacka Bakanal' post against the verified 3.1% statistic for women, it becomes clear that the social media claim drastically inflates the actual public health situation.
Docteur Augustin Balékouzou, épidémiologiste et biostatisticien au service des statistiques du CNLS, addressed the inaccuracies circulating regarding these health metrics. Regarding the claims of higher infection rates, Docteur Augustin Balékouzou stated: "non, c’est une fausse information". Official health data consistently shows prevalence rates significantly lower than the figures shared in recent social media claims. These findings provide a verified overview of the current epidemiological situation within the country. The reliance on official statistics from the CNLS ensures that health policy and public understanding are guided by accurate, evidence-based reporting rather than unverified social media assertions.
National HIV Statistics Overview
The 2024 WHO report for the Central African Republic estimates that 100,000 people live with HIV in the country. This total includes 8,000 children. Medical records from the same period indicate that the mother-to-child HIV transmission rate in the Central African Republic is 18%. These figures are essential for understanding the scope of the health challenges faced by the population and the efficacy of current medical interventions.
ONUSIDA released updated figures regarding national health trends on 3 December 2025. On December 3, 2025, ONUSIDA reported a 62% decrease in new HIV infections and a 72% reduction in HIV-related deaths in 2024. The agency reported a 62% decrease in new HIV infections during the 2024 calendar year. Additionally, ONUSIDA documented a 72% reduction in HIV-related deaths over the same period. These statistical improvements reflect the ongoing efforts to manage the condition and support those affected by the virus. By maintaining rigorous reporting standards, health organizations continue to provide a clear picture of the progress made in the Central African Republic.
