Symbolic illustration of HIV and Hepatitis C co-infection in Cameroon.

HIV and Hepatitis C in Cameroon: What You Need to Know

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Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals the concerning rates of HIV/HCV co-infection and highlights the importance of screening and awareness."


HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) co-infection is a growing global health concern, increasing the risk of liver disease and other complications for those affected. Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges in addressing this issue due to limited awareness and resources.

While advancements in antiretroviral therapy have greatly improved the lives of people living with HIV, co-infection with HCV can undermine these benefits. Unlike HIV, management plan for HCV infection is still in progress, without any written plan available to date. Early detection and treatment of HCV are crucial, but screening programs are not yet as widespread as HIV testing, even in major hospitals.

A recent study in Cameroon investigated the prevalence of HIV/HCV co-infection and its impact on liver health. By examining patient data and conducting screenings, the researchers aimed to provide valuable insights for improving healthcare strategies in the region. This research highlights the urgent need for increased awareness, screening, and integrated care for individuals at risk of HIV/HCV co-infection.

Key Findings: Understanding HIV/HCV Co-infection in Cameroon

Symbolic illustration of HIV and Hepatitis C co-infection in Cameroon.

The study, conducted across three hospital settings in Yaoundé, Cameroon, involved screening both newly diagnosed HIV patients and individuals attending the hospitals for other reasons. Researchers analyzed blood samples for HCV antibodies and antigens, as well as markers of liver function and CD4 cell counts. The findings revealed several important trends:

The study revealed a co-infection rate of 13.33% among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Furthermore, 10.26% of the general population screened were diagnosed with HCV infection. These results underscore the increased vulnerability of HIV patients to HCV. These rates were significantly higher than previous studies, potentially due to the use of a more sensitive screening test detecting both HCV core antigen and antibodies, enabling earlier detection of the infection.

  • Gender Disparities: Women comprised the majority (72%) of people with HIV, while men were more affected by HCV (78.57%).
  • Age as a Factor: The average age of co-infected individuals was higher, with 93.33% being 50 years or older. This suggests age as a potential risk factor for HIV/HCV co-infection.
  • Impact on Liver Health: The study found correlations between CD4 cell counts and liver function markers, indicating that HIV/HCV co-infection can accelerate liver damage.
These results underscore the importance of routine HCV screening for all individuals living with HIV, as well as targeted screening programs for high-risk populations. Early detection and intervention are crucial for preventing the progression of liver disease and improving the overall health outcomes for those affected.

The Path Forward: Improving HIV/HCV Care in Cameroon

The study's findings call for immediate action to integrate HCV screening into existing HIV care programs in Cameroon. By making HCV testing compulsory for patients and incorporating it into national guidelines, healthcare providers can identify and treat co-infected individuals more effectively.

Increased awareness campaigns are also essential to educate the public about the risks of HIV/HCV co-infection and encourage individuals to get tested. These campaigns should target both men and women, as well as older adults who may be at higher risk.

Ultimately, a comprehensive approach that combines widespread screening, public education, and integrated care is needed to combat the growing threat of HIV/HCV co-infection in Cameroon and improve the health and well-being of its population.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5897/jahr2017.0456, Alternate LINK

Title: Current Status Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus And Hepatitis C Virus (Hiv/Hcv) Co-Infection In Cameroon: Sero-Prevalence, Risk Factors And Correlation With Markers Of Liver Function And Cd4 Cells Rate In Patients Diagnosed In Three Hospital Settings

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of AIDS and HIV Research

Publisher: Academic Journals

Authors: Ngounoue Marceline Djuidje, Tamo Ida Marlene Guiateu, Axel Cyriaque Ambassa, Kwesseu Gaëlle Armelle Fepa, Fewou Paul Moundipa

Published: 2018-03-31

Everything You Need To Know

1

What rate of Hepatitis C co-infection exists among people living with HIV in Cameroon?

A study in Cameroon found a 13.33% co-infection rate of Hepatitis C (HCV) among people living with HIV. Also, 10.26% of the general population screened were diagnosed with HCV. This indicates that people living with HIV are more susceptible to Hepatitis C.

2

What were the gender and age-related trends observed in the HIV and Hepatitis C study conducted in Cameroon?

The research in Cameroon indicated that women constituted 72% of the HIV-positive population, whereas men accounted for 78.57% of Hepatitis C cases. Furthermore, 93.33% of co-infected individuals were 50 years or older, suggesting that age may be a risk factor for HIV/HCV co-infection.

3

What actions are needed to improve care for people with HIV and Hepatitis C co-infection in Cameroon, according to the recent study?

The Cameroonian study underscores the necessity of incorporating Hepatitis C (HCV) screening into existing HIV care programs. Integrating HCV testing into national healthcare guidelines is crucial for early detection and treatment of co-infected individuals. This is essential for preventing liver disease progression and improving health outcomes for affected individuals.

4

How does HIV and Hepatitis C co-infection impact liver health, based on the findings from the Cameroon study?

The study found correlations between CD4 cell counts and liver function markers, which implies that co-infection of HIV and Hepatitis C can accelerate liver damage. The findings highlight the importance of routine HCV screening for all individuals living with HIV to facilitate timely intervention and management.

5

How does Hepatitis C impact people already living with HIV, and what are the current challenges in managing Hepatitis C compared to HIV?

While antiretroviral therapy has significantly improved the lives of those living with HIV, co-infection with Hepatitis C can undermine these benefits. Early detection and treatment of Hepatitis C are crucial, however, screening programs for HCV are not as widespread as those for HIV, even in major hospitals. Unlike HIV, the comprehensive management plan for Hepatitis C infection is still a work in progress, with no definitive plan available to date.

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