Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and coronavirus disease 2019; impact on vulnerable populations and harnessing lessons learnt from HIV programmes

Abstract

COVID-19 can act as a dual prong attack against management of people living with HIV; it induces harm on both individual and national levels. People living with HIV (PLHIV) may show rapid deterioration in SARS-CoV-2 infection due to physiological or psychological vulnerability. Additionally, spreading of COVID-19 - especially in low- and middle-income countries - may limit HIV control measures, delivery and linkage to HIV care and prevention. Attention should be given to pregnant women and the LGBTQI+ community for their higher susceptibility to poor outcomes. Engagement of both governmental and non-governmental organizations are encouraged for better results.

Possible Interdisciplinar Standard for the Care of Pregnant Women Living with HIV-Polish Experience

“…Data indicating the risk of COVID-19 and its influence on pregnant women and children with HIV are also insufficient. The higher risk can result from decreased immunity in these patients, and HIV+ pregnant women are more susceptible to rapid health deterioration following COVID-19 because of physiological and psychological susceptibility [ 24 , 25 ].…”