Malaria and HIV Co-infection among COVID-19 Cohort in Selected Healthcare Facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic began while improvement in malaria control and elimination had reached a peak. COVID-19 affected routine services particularly those for other killer infectious diseases including, HIV/AIDS and Malaria. This resulted in slowing progress in achieving control programs targets. Aim: The study was aimed at evaluating malaria and HIV coinfection among COVID-19 cohort in selected healthcare facilities in Rivers State of Nigeria. Methodology: The observational study showed a snapshot sampled only patients within the COVID-19 approved centers who consented to participate within the selected study area otherwise excluded. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 400 participants, giving subjects equal opportunity of participation. The majority of the data came from primary sources, but secondary sources were also used. Malaria testing was perform using microscopic method. Result outputs were presented on tables and charts. Results: The study showed high prevalence of malaria infection among COVID-19 patients -327 (81.8%) but low rate of HIV co-infection- 2 (0.5%). Conclusion: Much consideration should be channeled towards malaria endemicity and coinfection with COVID-19 unless it confers protective advantage as postulated by some studies however, a large scale and more in-depth study is suggested.