HIV/AIDS surveillance data analysis in Tigray, Ethiopia (2016-2020), with sub-analysis of most-at-risk populations and HIV co-infections (2019-2020).
TL;DR
The findings of this study showed that HIV infection varied by person and place, and suggest the importance of strengthening community-based HIV testing, PMTCT services, and nutritional support for PLHIV.
Abstract
Background
Globally, 37.7 million individuals were living with HIV in 2020, with 1.5 million new infections and over 500,000 deaths. In Ethiopia, approximately 616,105 people were living with HIV in 2021. In Tigray, over 45,000 people were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2020. Despite improved service access and extensive ART delivery, HIV remains a major public health challenge in Tigray, with a 1.4% prevalence rate. This analysis aims to describe HIV burden and service indicators in Tigray (2016-2020), with a sub-analysis of most-at-risk populations and HIV co-infections (2019-2020).
Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data extracted from the District Health Information System (DHIS-2) for the years 2016-2020. Data for most-at-risk populations (MARPs) and HIV co-infections were available only for 2019-2020. The analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019.
Results
The prevalence of HIV in Tigray was 1.13% (62,657) with variation by persons and places. Females were more affected by HIV, with 1.43% (39,913) cases compared to 0.83% (22,744) in males. The prevalence of HIV ranged from the highest 15,117(4.41%) in Mekelle to the lowest 0.44% (2,756) in the southeastern zone. The prevalence of malnutrition among PLHIV increased from 25.9% (9,617) in 2016 to 56.7% (35,496) in 2020, while the prevalence of nutritional supplementation decreased from 76.2% (7,327) to 6.5% (2,295). The prevalence of HIV among HIV-exposed children increased from 5.43% (43) in 2016 to 9.29% (96) in 2020. In the sub-analysis, among TB patients & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) tested for HIV, 6% (728) of TB and 3.2% (1,223) of STI patients had previously undiagnosed HIV infection.
Conclusion
The findings of this study showed that HIV infection varied by person and place. A higher HIV rate was observed in Women and the Mekelle zone. The trend of HIV testing and ART initiation among pregnant and lactating women varied by service delivery point. An increased trend of HIV infection among HIV-exposed infants, HIV prevalence and malnutrition among PLHIV were also observed. These findings suggest the importance of strengthening community-based HIV testing, PMTCT services, and nutritional support for PLHIV.