Increased HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in two health facilities in Northern Cameroon between 2021 and 2022.

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remain a global public health problem. Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are aggravating factors.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify new cases of HIV and STIs, as well as their associated risk factors.

SETTING

Political insecurity in the northern regions of Cameroon has led to population displacement, weakening an already fragile health system.

METHODS

A cohort of 684 consenting participants from the north and far north were enrolled in 2021 and followed up in 2022. Socio-demographic variables and risk behaviours were collected. Anti-HIV Ab, hepatitis B surface antigen, Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests were performed. The data were analysed using Epi Info 7.5.2. The associations between variables were evaluated using the Chi-square test with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

The new cases of HIV rate and overall prevalence were 1.63% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83% - 2.41%) and 3.8% (95% CI: 2.01% - 3.97%), respectively. New HIV cases increased from 0.27% (2017, Demographic and Health Survey [DHS]) to 1.63%. The prevalence of syphilis and hepatitis B was 1.03% (95% CI: 0.98% - 1.09%) and 4.56% (95% CI: 4.51% - 4.66%), respectively. Factors associated with HIV included religion (p = 0.027), unprotected sex (p = 0.006), sex with a sex worker (p = 0.00009), and co-infection with syphilis and hepatitis B (p = 0.033). New HIV infections may also be associated with population displacement.

CONCLUSION

HIV infection, syphilis and hepatitis B are on the rise in the Northern Cameroon.

CONTRIBUTION: Future HIV prevention strategies should consider population displacement and HIV-associated infections such as hepatitis B and syphilis in order to secure achievements in HIV programme and further curb the burden of these infections in the country.