SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and associated factors among people living with HIV in Sierra Leone.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is an important risk factor for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), but data on the prevalence of COVID-19 among people living with HIV (PLWH) is limited in low-income countries. Our aim was to assess the seroprevalence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) specific antibodies and associated factors among PLWH in Sierra Leone. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of PLWH aged 18 years or older in Sierra Leone between August 2022 and January 2023. Participants were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antibody (immunoglobulin M/immunoglobulin G [IgG]) kits. Stepwise logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence with a significance level of p < .05. RESULTS: In our study, 33.4% (1031/3085) participants had received a COVID-19 vaccine, and 75.7% were SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive. Higher IgG seroprevalence was observed in females (77.2% vs. 71.4%, p = .001), adults over 60 years (88.2%), those with suppressed HIV RNA (80.7% vs. 51.7%, p < .001), antiretroviral therapy (ART)-experienced individuals (77.9% vs. 44.6%, p < .001), and vaccinated participants (80.7% vs. 73.2%, p < .001). Patients 60 years or older had the highest odds of IgG seroprevalence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.68-4.65). Female sex (aOR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.05-1.56), COVID-19 vaccination (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.27-1.86), and ART (aOR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.56-3.11) increased the odds, whereas HIV RNA ≥ 1000 copies/mL (aOR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.26-0.40) reduced the odds of IgG seroprevalence. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody among PLWH in Sierra Leone. We recommend the introduction of targeted vaccination for PLWH with a high risk of severe COVID-19, especially those with an unsuppressed HIV viral load.

Prevalence and viral suppression of hepatitis B virus infection among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Sierra Leone.

OBJECTIVE: Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the regions with the highest burdens of HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV), but data on the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on HBV DNA suppression is limited. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of a positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among people living with HIV, and assess the suppression of ART on HBV replication in people living with HIV in Sierra Leone. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed to recruit people living with HIV aged 18 years or older in ten public hospitals in Sierra Leone between August 2022 and January 2023. Statistical analyses were performed using R software. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors independently associated with positive HBsAg and HBV DNA suppression. RESULTS: Of the 3106 people living with HIV recruited in this study, 2311 (74.4%) were women. The median age was 36 years, 166 (5.3%) had serological evidence of HBV vaccination. The overall prevalence of HBsAg positivity was 12.0% (95% CI: 10.9% to 13.2%). Male sex (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.11, 95% CI: 1.67 to 2.68; p<0.001) and being separated (aOR 1.83, 95% CI: 1.06 to 3.16, p=0.031; reference group: being married) were independent predictors of HBsAg seropositivity. Among 331 people living with HIV and HBV receiving ART, 242 (73.1%) achieved HBV DNA suppression (below 20 IU/mL). HBV suppression rate was higher in HIV-virally suppressed patients than those with unsuppressed HIV viral load (p<0.001). In addition, the male sex was more likely to have unsuppressed HBV DNA (aOR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.17 to 3.21; p=0.010). CONCLUSIONS: We reported a high prevalence of HBsAg seropositivity and low HBV immunisation coverage in people living with HIV in Sierra Leone. In addition, we observed that ART can efficiently result in a viral suppression rate of HBV infection. Therefore, achieving the global target of eliminating HBV infection by 2030 requires accelerated access to care for people living with HIV and HBV, including HBV testing, antiviral treatment and hepatitis B vaccination.

A qualitative study examining the health system's response to COVID-19 in Sierra Leone.

The paper examines the health system's response to COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. It aims to explore how the pandemic affected service delivery, health workers, patient access to services, leadership, and governance. It also examines to what extent the legacy of the 2013-16 Ebola outbreak influenced the COVID-19 response and public perception. Using the WHO Health System Building Blocks Framework, we conducted a qualitative study in Sierra Leone where semi-structured interviews were conducted with health workers, policymakers, and patients between Oct-Dec 2020. We applied thematic analysis using both deductive and inductive approaches. Twelve themes emerged from the analysis: nine on the WHO building blocks, two on patients' experiences, and one on Ebola. We found that routine services were impacted by enhanced infection prevention control measures. Health workers faced additional responsibilities and training needs. Communication and decision-making within facilities were reported to be coordinated and effective, although updates cascading from the national level to facilities were lacking. In contrast with previous health emergencies which were heavily influenced by international organisations, we found that the COVID-19 response was led by the national leadership. Experiences of Ebola resulted in less fear of COVID-19 and a greater understanding of public health measures. However, these measures also negatively affected patients' livelihoods and their willingness to visit facilities. We conclude, it is important to address existing challenges in the health system such as resources that affect the capacity of health systems to respond to emergencies. Prioritising the well-being of health workers and the continued provision of essential routine health services is important. The socio-economic impact of public health measures on the population needs to be considered before measures are implemented.