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Background: Global HIV epidemic is disproportionately higher in SSA, accounting for more than 70% of the burden. Addressing specific drivers of the HIV infection through mobile HIV Testing Services (mHTS) targeting Key populations is essential to HIV epidemic control. We assessed the impact of mHTS to Key and Priority populations at addressing factors that increase risk of HIV transmission in selected hotspots within Mbeya and Songwe regions. Methods: Since 2016, NIMR-Mbeya through mHTS has been working with PEPFAR to support HIV interventions in identified hotspots and local health facilities. A comprehensive HIV prevention package which includes health education and screening for drivers of HIV infection is being offered to clients prior to HIV testing. Records of clients served by the mHTS from 2020 to 2021 were reviewed and analyzed using STATA version 15. Descriptive statistics were summarized as frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% CI for drivers of HIV epidemic were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Of the 8853 clients served, 3717 (42%) were aged between 15 - 24 years. The median age was 25(18-36) years. The majority 5550 (62.7%) were male, most clients 7329 (82.8%) had primary education. Nearly half of the total clients 4332 (48.9%) were married. A total of 377 (4.3%) clients had at least one STI syndrome, genital discharge 281 (74.5%) was the most observed syndrome. Clients with STI syndrome were four times more likely to be HIV positive (AOR: 4.74, 95% CI, 1.16 - 19.39). After controlling for age, level of education and marital status Uncircumcised clients had twice the odd of being HIV positive compared to circumcised participants (AOR: 2.66, 95% CI, 1.62 - 4.37). Conclusion: The observed level of STI syndromes in this population is high. Circumcision status affected HIV positivity. Targeted and comprehensive Mobile HIV services may be employed as effective intervention in areas with high HIV prevalence. However, in low HIV prevalence, the suitability of this approach warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary Tuberculosis (TB) of the cervix is a rare condition among postmenopausal women which is mostly misdiagnosed as cervical cancer and remains unreported. Objective: We are presenting a rare case of TB of the cervix in a postmenopausal woman who was initially suspected to have carcinoma of the cervix based on her clinical presentation. Case report: A 62-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with a long-standing history of foul-smelling vaginal discharge and abnormal bleeding for 3 years. She was HIV- negative with no other immunosuppressive conditions, a non-smoker with no history of oral contraceptive use. The general examination was unremarkable. Speculum examination revealed an unhealthy cervix with an ulcer on the anterior cervical lip, suggestive of Cervical Cancer. There was no Human papilloma Virus (HPV) detected on genotyping. A biopsy was taken for histopathology analysis and results revealed multiple epithelioid cells granulomas with scattered Langhans giant cells, caseous necrosis, and abundant lymphocytes, concluding chronic granulomatous inflammation consistent with TB. She responded well to a 6-month period of anti-tuberculosis treatment; Rifampin, Isoniazid, Ethambutol and Pyrazinamide. Conclusion: This reported case highlights the need to consider TB of the cervix for all post-menopausal women with clinical presentation suggestive of Cervical Cancer and arouse the attention of medical personnel in recognizing similar cases in our setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) and male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) are gender-specific manifestations of urogenital schistosomiasis. Morbidity is a consequence of prolonged inflammation in the human genital tract caused by the entrapped eggs of the waterborne parasite, Schistosoma (S.) haematobium. Both diseases affect the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of millions of people globally, especially in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). Awareness and knowledge of these diseases is largely absent among affected communities and healthcare workers in endemic countries. Accurate burden of FGS and MGS disease estimates, single and combined, are absent, mostly due to the absence of standardized methods for individual or population-based screening and diagnosis. In addition, there are disparities in country-specific FGS and MGS knowledge, research and implementation approaches, and diagnosis and treatment. There are currently no WHO guidelines to inform practice. The BILGENSA (Genital Bilharzia in Southern Africa) Research Network aimed to create a collaborative multidisciplinary network to advance clinical research of FGS and MGS across Southern African endemic countries. The workshop was held in Lusaka, Zambia over two days in November 2022. Over 150 researchers and stakeholders from different schistosomiasis endemic settings attended. Attendees identified challenges and research priorities around FGS and MGS from their respective countries. Key research themes identified across settings included: 1) To increase the knowledge about the local burden of FGS and MGS; 2) To raise awareness among local communities and healthcare workers; 3) To develop effective and scalable guidelines for disease diagnosis and management; 4) To understand the effect of treatment interventions on disease progression, and 5) To integrate FGS and MGS within other existing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. In its first meeting, the BILGENSA Network set forth a common research agenda across S. haematobium endemic countries for the control of FGS and MGS., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2024 Ndubani R et al.)