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CHAO DISSEMINATION EVENT – MERU, KENYA – 5 DECEMBER 2023

Meru, Kenya – The dissemination event of the CHAO Project, held recently at the Elsa Hotel in Meru, Kenya, brought to light significant results in the field of public health.

The project, supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and in collaboration with Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, the Community of Sant’Egidio’s DREAM program and the Meru County government, focused on comorbidities in HIV patients in Meru County.

The study, which involved 1051 HIV+ patients in 25 clinics, found that more than half of the participants (55.4 %) had additional comorbidities, with a marked prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) over communicable diseases. In particular, dyslipidemia and hypertension proved to be the most common conditions, in 21.2% and 20% of patients, respectively.

Professor Stefano Orlando of the Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata emphasized the importance of the findings during the presentation. The data collection employed a cross-sectional design to assess comorbidities among HIV+ patients, providing crucial insights into the intersection of HIV and a range of both noncommunicable and infectious diseases.

Multivariable analysis revealed that age significantly increases the risk of syphilis and is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Interestingly, contrary to expectations, overweight status was related to an increased risk of hypertension but not diabetes or dyslipidemia. No significant associations were found between tobacco and alcohol use and NCDs.

The event was attended by 96 people who the County Health Management Team, Sub-county HIV coordinators, Healthcare providers from the 25 clinics involved in the project, and representatives of people living with HIV (PLWHIV).

Among the authorities at the meeting were the CASCO (Count AIDS and STI coordinator), County director Special programs and the County Coordinator for NCDS.