HIV/AIDS Status in Baghdad/ Iraq Over Ten Years (2010-2019)

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency Virus and/or Acquired immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)hitherto represents a serious global health problem.Objective: To disclose the status and trend of HIV/AIDS in Baghdad/ Capital of Iraq throughout the last tenyears (2010 -2019).Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of the available data on new HIV cases for the last ten yearswas conducted in Baghdad/ Capital of Iraq from August 2018 to December 2019. The data included age,sex, annual number of new HIV cases, AIDS-related deaths, years of diagnosis, and risk factors associatedHIV transmission. All suspected HIV/AIDS cases were examined clinically and tested initially for anti-HIVantibodies by ELISA and confirmed by western blot technique.Results: A cumulative annual number of new HIV cases registered for the last ten years was 287. The trendof number of new HIV cases increased gradually and steadily over successive ten years 2010-2019. Themajority of them were males (79.1 %) and adults (?15 years old) (98.2%). Sexual transmission had a higherrate of new HIV infection (81.9%) mainly through heterosexuals (79.2 %).Conclusion: Although the trend of the annual number of HIV cases increased with time, Baghdad remainswithin the area of low HIV prevalence, and there is a potential risk for exposure to an outbreak or epidemic/endemic if no implementation of proper and effective national strategy plans on HIV/AIDS in place. Adultmales play a role in rising the risk of illness. Sexual practices mainly through heterosexuals was the majorroute of HIV transmission.