TITLE:
Prevention, Screening and Treatment of HIV and Hepatitis C in Burkina Faso (2013-2024): Progress towards Eradication
AUTHORS:
Edie Jardel Combari, Sidnooma Véronique Zongo, Denise P. Ilboudo, Doninouor Edilbert Dabire, Edwige P. Yelemkoure, Abel P. Sorgho, Albert Théophane Yonli, Théodora M. Zohoncon, Florencia W. Djigma, Innocent Pierre Guissou, Jacques Simpore
KEYWORDS:
HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Antiretrovirals, Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs), Burkina Faso
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Infectious Diseases,
Vol.15 No.4,
December
23,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) represent a major public health challenge in Burkina Faso due to their high morbidity and mortality rates among the working-age population. To limit their impact, national strategies have been implemented, including awareness campaigns, screening, subsidized treatment, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological trends of HIV and HCV from 2013 to 2024, with a view to strengthening control strategies and improving the medical care of patients. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted between 2013 and 2023 among adult male and female patients who presented at the CERBA (Center for Research and Evaluation in Health and Social Care) for HIV and/or HCV screening. In addition, a prospective study was conducted in 2024 during a community-based HIV and HCV screening campaign in Ouagadougou, using rapid tests. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0 and EpiInfo 7. Results were considered statistically significant for a p-value Results: The study included 2,576 patients, of whom 1133 were women (44.0%) and 1443 were men (56.0%), with a mean age of 30.1 ± 10.8 years. Between 2013 and 2024, the overall observed seroprevalence was 2.1% (53/2576) for HIV and 3.4% (87/2576) for HCV. A statistically significant decrease was observed for both infections. The prevalence of HIV decreased from 2.2% (14/630) in 2013 to 1.5% (10/663) in 2024, as described by linear regression (y = −0.154x + 2.55). Similarly, HCV prevalence decreased from 4.3% (27/630) in 2013 to 1.4% (9/663) in 2024, according to a linear regression (y = −0.899x + 5.63). First-line antiretroviral therapy dominates HIV management (83.44%) in Burkina Faso, while second-line regimens remain essential in cases of resistance. Furthermore, pangenotypic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are effective against HCV regardless of genotype, rapidly suppressing viral load and confirming their therapeutic superiority. Conclusion: To achieve the goals set by the WHO, it is necessary to strengthen screening strategies, intensify prevention measures among at-risk populations and ensure optimal care, based on antiretrovirals for people living with HIV and on pangenotypic direct-acting antivirals for patients infected with HCV.