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

Authors

  • Jalil Ibrahim Saleh PhD1 , Haitham Numan2 , Nawar Sahib Khalil Ph.D.1

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i1.13738

Keywords:

HIV, Status, trend, Toxicity; Baghdad; Sexual transmission

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 ten
years (2010 -2019).
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of the available data on new HIV cases for the last ten years
was 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-HIV
antibodies 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 trend
of number of new HIV cases increased gradually and steadily over successive ten years 2010-2019. The
majority of them were males (79.1 %) and adults (?15 years old) (98.2%). Sexual transmission had a higher
rate 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 remains
within 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. Adult
males play a role in rising the risk of illness. Sexual practices mainly through heterosexuals was the major
route of HIV transmission.

Author Biography

  • Jalil Ibrahim Saleh PhD1 , Haitham Numan2 , Nawar Sahib Khalil Ph.D.1

    1Al-Iraqia University/ College of Medicine/ Department of Family and Community Medicine, 2
    Anbar University/
    College of Medicine/ Department of Medicine, 3 National HIV Center/ Ministry of Health/Baghdad-Iraq

Downloads

Published

2020-12-31

How to Cite

HIV/AIDS Status in Baghdad/ Iraq Over Ten Years (2010-2019). (2020). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 15(1), 2253-2259. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i1.13738