With the appearance of first cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), strict control measures were implemented in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to combat the infection. These measures included the closure of schools and universities, the closure of borders and airports, cancellation of public and religious gatherings, and mandatory quarantine for persons returning from traveling abroad. Such measures have played a major role in the control of COVID-19 spread. However, due to social and economic pressures, the government relaxed the lockdown. After relaxing the measures, a sharp increase in the number of patients was noticed. Besides, there was a significant increase in the number of symptomatic patients and the case fatality rate was doubled. In addition, the outbreak and outbreak response led to the loss of trust and a breakdown in relations between the society and local authority. To minimize the consequences for population health, local authority should have a plan that balances between health imperatives and socioeconomic imperatives. Finally, to be successful in controlling the infection, the government must rebuild public trust in the handling of COVID-19 outbreak and compensate people for lost earnings.

Background and aims The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted healthcare services for kidney disease patients. Lockdown and social distancing were mandated in Kurdistan, Iraq to combat the transmission of the infection. The report analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on kidney disease patient care in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods This study took place in the Duhok Kidney Disease and Transplant Center and compared data from February–April 2019 and 2020. Results The average number of patients visiting the consultation unit per week was reduced from 68.67 ± 13.6, to 33.42 ± 29.36 (P = 0.001) during the pandemic. In the dialysis unit, weekly hemodialysis sessions were reduced from 341.5 to 306.42 sessions (P = 0.002). The number of patients visiting the kidney transplant consultation unit was significantly reduced (135.7 ± 37.7 versus 102.5 ± 26.3; P = 0.005). The number of kidney transplant operations per week was reduced from 1.167 to 0.5 (P = 0.025). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted healthcare services and may continue to impart long-term negative consequences for kidney disease patients.

Background: Blood-borne viral infection is a public health problem, especially in high-risk patients, including those with renal failure. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: In this study, 94 patients were recruited and examined for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HCV antibodies (HCVAb), and HIV using ELISA assay. HCV positivity was confirmed via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The patients were followed-up by testing their blood samples for HBsAg, HCVAb, and HIV on a monthly basis. Results: At the beginning of the study, 3 out of 94 (3.2%) patients were HBsAg positive. In addition, 4 out of 94 (4.3%) patients were HCVAb positive; HCV-positive patients were confirmed via RT-PCR. In addition, three new samples (2 males and 1 female) became HCVAb positive during the follow up. New cases of infection might be associated with exposure to inadequately sterilized dialysis. All the recruited patients were negative for HIV throughout the study. Conclusions:The prevalence of HBsAg and HCV positivity in subjects undergoing hemodialysis was comparable to most neighboring countries. Strict infection control measures should be taken to prevent infection transmission.

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