The syndemic burden of HIV/AIDS in Africa amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has long affected millions of individuals across the globe. Historically, the prevalence of this disease is particularly noted within the African continent. Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, many African countries struggled to effectively manage the increasing burden associated with HIV/AIDS. There is now a need to reassess this in a COVID‐19 pandemic context so that the impact of COVID‐19 on HIV/AIDS healthcare within Africa can be adequately evaluated. Methods: Data collection was performed on the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE and Embase bibliographical databases with a predefined search strategy. Searches were performed in blind duplicate and all articles considering COVID‐19 and HIV/AIDS within African healthcare were considered. Results: The COVID‐19 pandemic has severely exacerbated the many issues surrounding HIV/AIDS care within many African countries. These impacts are noticeable in medical, psychological, and socio‐political contexts. Conclusions: Before efforts are made to improve the provision of HIV/AIDS and COVID‐19 care within Africa, it is important that this issue is brought to the attention of the scientific and clinical community so that the continent can receive the necessary support and aid.

Neurological disorders in HIV: Hope despite challenges

“…17 Although screening patients for neurocognitive impairment is controversial, establishing a baseline neurocognitive assessment is beneficial in case of subsequent deterioration. 2,18 Moreover, new biomarkers of neurocognitive impairment are worthy of investigation in future research, along with efforts to optimize HIV therapy within the CNS. 13 Furthermore, established protocols and extensive research are essential to understand the disease mechanisms, to evaluate the risks of developing complications, and more importantly to choose an adequate treatment.…”

“…One major characteristic of this virus is to attack the CD4 + T lymphocytes and cells from the monocyte/macrophage lineage that leads to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if the virus is not appropriately treated. 1,2 Unprotected sex with someone who has HIV is the most common way to spread the virus, but it can also be transmitted through blood contact and from a mother to her baby. 1 As HIV and AIDS affect the immune system, the central nervous system (CNS) will suffer as well.…”

“…Both HIV and AIDS induce various neurological problems, especially when HIV progresses and becomes AIDS. 1,2 It seems that HIV produces considerable inflammation in the body, damaging the brain and spinal cord, thus preventing neurons from functioning correctly. Added to this, neurological problems normally do not appear until HIV has progressed to the point where a person has AIDS.…”

Low coverage of COVID-19 vaccines in Africa: current evidence and the way forward

“…16 Sadly, there have been outbreaks of measles, monkeypox, and cholera as well as disruption of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis care in Africa amid the pandemic. 17–21 This has further strained the already fragile healthcare systems of African countries. This underscores why the world leaders and other stakeholders in partnership with the African governments must urgently widely vaccinate the African population to enable full lifting of the lockdown and promote recovery.…”

Rift Valley fever during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Africa: A double burden for Africa's healthcare system

“…Moreover, some African countries have faced other infectious diseases and viral outbreaks such as bird flu, malaria, Ebola, measles, dengue, plague, Lassa fever, African swine fever, cholera, and HIV/AIDS. 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 …”