While the African continent is very disadvantaged in terms of vaccination (one dose for 3% of the population, 2 doses for only 1.5% of the population), the WHO has just given its opinion on the increased risk of serious illness and mortality for people affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
The International AIDS Society (IAS) recently published a study that highlights the danger for people with HIV of contracting the previously little-known Covid-19. The president of the IAS explained to AFP: “This study highlights the importance of including people living with HIV in priority populations for Covid vaccination.”
23% of deaths among these HIV patients
It was the WHO that conducted a broad survey of 24 countries with 15,000 people, 37% of whom were men. Among them, 92% were treated for the disease, the average age was 45 and a half years and 36% of them had developed a severe or even critical form, of Covid-19. The three pathologies most present in these patients were obesity, diabetes and hypertension.
23% of these people died during hospitalization, leading to the conclusion that HIV would increase the risk of developing a severe form, and that being treated in hospital increased the risk of dying from it. In addition to the call to favor these people in the vaccination strategy, the WHO also insisted on the fact that the global health crisis was likely to slow down HIV testing and treatment.
Sources: IAS, AFP
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