HIV-2 Incidence Decline in West Africa - A Perspective on the Need for Vigilance
HIV-2 Incidence Decline in West Africa - A Perspective on the Need for Vigilance
Lipigwe Lauya1*, Peace Nkiruka Okeke2, Nanma Tongnan Cosmas1 and Chukwudi Chizorom Ibeh1
ABSTRACT
In the context of the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in West Africa, the declining incidence of HIV-2 elicits mixed feelings of victory and doubt. Previously, we published a systematic literature review which identified factors contributing to this declining trend but also raised concerns about its sustainability. The aim of this article is to caution against interpreting this trend as a triumph against HIV/AIDS in the region. This caution is deserved due to serious challenges in West Africa that require liberal attention. These include; inadequate diagnostic methods and algorithms for monitoring HIV-2, the possibility of dangerous genetic mutations and resurgence of super-strains, cross-reactivity of HIV types that interfere with accurate reporting of HIV-2 cases, and suboptimal/neglected treatment and care (S/NTC) for HIV-2 individuals. Additionally, gaps in surveillance infrastructure, health inequality in classifying HIV burdens based on HIV type, and deprived HIV-2 research and policy enforcement could create obscurity in HIV-2 data. Considering the existing circumstances, this article highlights the importance of vigilance, re-evaluation of assumptions, and advocacy for unified efforts to address the multidimensional problems associated with HIV-2 to guarantee the sustained integrity of public health.
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