HIV/Malaria Coinfection Among General Out Patients Attending Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) Parklane Enugu

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Malaria are two global public health problems, cause more than two million deaths each year. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, more than 29 million people are living with HIV/AIDS and about 70% of population is at risk to malaria infection. Nigeria accounts for about a quarter of the global malaria cases and tenth of the global HIV cases. This research assessed the HIV/Malaria coinfection among outpatients attending ESUTH, Parklane Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of 112 HIV/Malaria patient was enrolled from the General Out-Patient Department (GOPD) of ESUTH Parklane, Enugu. Demographic data were collected in a labeled questionnaire form. It was observed that (53.1%) of the HIV/Malaria coinfected individuals were females while 45.8% were males. A higher HIV/Malaria coinfection rate was observed among age groups 25-29 years than in other age-groups, and in females (52.1%) than in males (42.1%). Also, higher prevalence of HIV/malaria coinfections was observed in singles (63.0%) than the married (36.8%) and divorced (46.4). Individuals who had secondary education (44.2%) have the highest than other educational status. Higher HIV/malaria coinfection was observed among farmers (33.3%) than other occupations. The Number of CD4 cells/blood of patients with HIV/Malaria coinfection infection was observed among subjects with CD4 cell count >50cells/μl to be 0.00% in female and 78.5% of male patients examined with < 40 copies/mL (1.3%). This study confirmed the presence of HIV/malaria coinfection in ESUTH, Parklane Enugu State, Nigeria. This, therefore, emphasizes the need for a well-structured approach to the management of HIV/Malaria coinfection.