COVID-19 Pandemic as “Curate’s Egg” on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: A Commentary

Melaku, Tsegaye; Assefa, Desta

It is a high time not to sideline human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) response during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis. COVID-19 will affect the decade’s hard-earned gains from HIV care delivery and response. At the same time, it could be an important time for the COVID-19 containment response to help minimize the occurrence of a new infection. Sexual contact is the main transmission ways in HIV dynamics. However, COVID-19 prevention and control strategies such as movement restrictions, physical and social distancing will reduce exposure to such kinds of risk behaviors. Those containment strategies, including stringent infection prevention and control at health facilities, may minimize transmission of HIV infection and will reduce the incidence of new HIV infection. While recognizing the immense challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts should be made by governments and international organizations to maintain the response to HIV and to ensure that the progress made against HIV is not lost. In addition, it is very crucial to undertake further researches on the status of new HIV infection during the COVID-19.