International staff: 5 National staff: 25 MSF has been in Benin since 1997

MSF work in Benin centers on Couffo department. Since 1998, MSF has supported treatment of Buruli Ulcer (a bacterial infection that destroys skin and bone tissue) in the public health center of Lalo. In September 2002, MSF began an HIV/AIDS program in Dogbo, with education and community awareness activities for young hairdressers and tailors, taxi-moto drivers, students and peasants. In December, Couffo department's first voluntary counseling and testing center opened in Dogbo. By late July 2003, around 1,000 people had been tested (using rapid tests for the first time in Benin); 10% of those tested were HIV-positive. MSF also offers prevention and treatment of AIDS-related opportunistic infections through the public health center.