UNAIDS has raised serious concern over Senegal’s new law imposing harsher penalties for same-sex relations and promoting LGBTQ rights, warning it could reverse years of public health progress.
The bill, passed by Parliament on 12 March, criminalizes “unnatural acts” and penalizes anyone who encourages or promotes homosexuality.
While the law includes a public health exemption for authorized health organizations, UNAIDS cautioned that fear of prosecution could drive vulnerable populations away from vital HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services.
Senegal has long been a regional leader in HIV response. Today, 79% of people living with HIV receive antiretroviral therapy, a milestone that has saved thousands of lives. Yet new infections rose by 36% between 2010 and 2024, making Senegal one of only four countries in West and Central Africa with increasing cases.
UNAIDS warned that criminalizing LGBTQ people risks worsening this trend by increasing stigma and creating barriers to care.
The agency urged President Macky Sall and authorities to fully implement the public health exemptions, provide legal clarity for health workers, protect patient confidentiality, and ensure community organizations can continue offering lifesaving services without fear of prosecution. UNAIDS also called for the maintenance of international funding and partnerships to sustain essential programmes.
“Criminalization threatens both human rights and public health,” UNAIDS said, stressing that ending AIDS requires reaching everyone, especially those most at risk. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to working with Senegal to protect access to HIV services and prevent setbacks in the fight against AIDS.
