Symbolic image representing the challenges and hope in combating HIV-related deaths in Lubumbashi.

Unmasking the Silent Killer: Understanding HIV-Related Deaths in Lubumbashi

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into the causes of mortality among HIV-infected patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and what can be done to turn the tide."

While global efforts have dramatically improved the lives of people living with HIV (PLHIV), the fight is far from over. In many parts of the world, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), mortality rates remain a serious concern. Understanding the specific causes of death in these regions is crucial to tailoring effective interventions and saving lives.

In the DRC, where the HIV prevalence is estimated at 1.8%, access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly improved the quality of life for PLHIV. However, high mortality persists, particularly at specialized care centers. This article delves into a study conducted at the HIV/AIDS Center of Excellence of the University of Lubumbashi, aiming to identify the primary causes of death among HIV-infected patients.

Historically, opportunistic infections (OIs) have been the dominant cause of death in PLHIV in resource-limited settings. This study sheds light on the continued impact of OIs, while also examining the role of other factors, such as non-HIV-related diseases, in contributing to mortality.

The Grim Reality: What's Killing HIV Patients in Lubumbashi?

Symbolic image representing the challenges and hope in combating HIV-related deaths in Lubumbashi.

A meticulous review of patient records at the Lubumbashi University HIV/AIDS Center of Excellence from May 2011 to December 2015 revealed a concerning mortality rate of 24.1%. Out of 1717 patients followed, 415 succumbed to the disease. The study highlighted a significant gender disparity, with women accounting for 67.95% of the deaths. Alarmingly, 76.63% of the deceased patients had a CD4 count below 200/mm³, indicating severely compromised immune systems.

The study pinpointed that 86% of deaths were directly linked to HIV, with opportunistic infections taking the lead. Cryptococcal neuromeningitis emerged as the primary culprit, accounting for 16.6% of deaths, followed closely by tuberculosis at 15.3%. Other contributing factors included toxoplasmosis (2.6%) and HIV-related cancers (3%), such as Kaposi's sarcoma (1.7%).

Cryptococcal Neuromeningitis: A fungal infection of the brain and spinal cord.
Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection that typically affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body.
Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection that can cause brain damage and other complications.
Kaposi's Sarcoma: A type of cancer that causes lesions on the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs.

Interestingly, non-HIV-related causes accounted for 8% of deaths, with liver diseases contributing to 2.6% of the total mortality. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), a paradoxical worsening of OIs after starting ART, was implicated in approximately 1.7% of deaths.

Turning the Tide: Steps Towards Reducing HIV-Related Mortality

The findings from this study underscore the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach to combat HIV-related mortality in Lubumbashi and similar settings. Late diagnosis and delayed treatment initiation remain critical challenges. Scaling up voluntary screening and counseling programs is essential to identify individuals living with HIV early in the course of the infection, before their immune systems are severely compromised.

Improving the management of opportunistic infections is paramount. This requires ensuring access to affordable and effective diagnostic tools and treatments for cryptococcal neuromeningitis, tuberculosis, and other common OIs. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and training healthcare workers are also crucial to providing quality care for PLHIV.

Beyond medical interventions, addressing the socioeconomic factors that contribute to HIV-related mortality is essential. Poverty, gender inequality, and stigma all play a significant role in hindering access to care and treatment adherence. Comprehensive strategies that address these underlying issues are needed to create a supportive environment for PLHIV and improve their chances of survival. Ultimately, this requires increased funding for research, expanded access to healthcare, and community-based interventions to combat stigma and discrimination.

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: 10.4172/2576-1420.1000120, Alternate LINK

Title: Causes Of Deaths Of Hiv Infected Patients At The Hiv/Aids Center Of Excellence Of The University Of Lubumbashi In Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic Of Congo

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medicine

Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group

Authors: Katabwa Kabongo Joe, Benita Mutape, Kishiba David, Wembonyama Stanis

Published: 2017-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What were the key findings regarding mortality rates among HIV patients in Lubumbashi?

The study in Lubumbashi revealed a concerning mortality rate of 24.1% among HIV-infected patients between May 2011 and December 2015. A significant portion of these deaths, 86%, were directly linked to HIV, with opportunistic infections being the primary cause. Cryptococcal neuromeningitis accounted for 16.6% of deaths, followed by tuberculosis at 15.3%. These statistics underscore the severity of the situation and the urgent need for improved interventions.

Why are opportunistic infections such as Cryptococcal neuromeningitis, Tuberculosis, Toxoplasmosis and Kaposi's sarcoma so dangerous for individuals with HIV?

Opportunistic infections (OIs) are infections that take advantage of weakened immune systems, such as those in people living with HIV. In Lubumbashi, the most prevalent OIs leading to death were cryptococcal neuromeningitis and tuberculosis. Other OIs, such as toxoplasmosis, and HIV-related cancers, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, also contributed to mortality. Effective prevention and treatment of OIs are crucial for reducing HIV-related deaths.

Besides opportunistic infections, what other factors contribute to the high mortality rates among HIV-infected individuals in Lubumbashi?

Several factors contribute to the high mortality rates among HIV-infected individuals in Lubumbashi. Late diagnosis and delayed treatment initiation are critical challenges. Additionally, a significant proportion of deceased patients had severely compromised immune systems, indicated by CD4 counts below 200/mm³. Other factors include gender disparity and non-HIV-related diseases, such as liver diseases, which contribute to mortality. Addressing these factors requires comprehensive interventions, including increased screening and counseling, timely ART initiation, and management of co-existing conditions.

Can you explain the difference between Cryptococcal neuromeningitis, Tuberculosis, Toxoplasmosis and Kaposi's sarcoma, which were significant causes of death?

Cryptococcal neuromeningitis is a fungal infection of the brain and spinal cord, and it was the leading cause of death among HIV-infected patients in Lubumbashi. Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that typically affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body, and it was the second leading cause of death in the study. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can cause brain damage and other complications. Kaposi's sarcoma is a type of cancer that causes lesions on the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs. These conditions highlight the diverse range of health challenges faced by people living with HIV and the importance of comprehensive care.

Based on the findings, what specific actions can be taken to effectively reduce HIV-related mortality in places like Lubumbashi, focusing on both immediate and long-term strategies?

The study suggests several critical steps to reduce HIV-related mortality in Lubumbashi. Firstly, scaling up voluntary screening and counseling programs is essential for early diagnosis and treatment initiation. Secondly, improving access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and ensuring timely initiation of treatment can significantly improve outcomes. The findings underscore the need for a multi-pronged approach, addressing not only HIV-related factors but also non-HIV-related diseases and gender disparities. Further research is needed to investigate the underlying causes of late diagnosis and delayed treatment initiation and to develop targeted interventions to address these challenges. Also treatment for opportunistic infections such as Cryptococcal neuromeningitis, Tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis.