Research Projects (Third party funds)

HBV-RW

Epidemiology of chronic HBV infection among different high risk groups in Rwanda and mortality of HBV-HIV co-infected persons

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is common in Africa, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries, where prevalence and mortality continue to increase. Some population groups are more affected by HBV infection, for example prisoners. Given the same transmission mode, individuals living with HIV/AIDS are likely to be co- infected with chronic HBV. 

The prevalence of chronic HBV among HIV-positive people in Rwanda was estimated to be 4.3% in 2017. However, not much is known on HBV prevalence in other risk groups in that country. 
In addition, mortality differences and their determinants in HIV mono-infected versus HBV/HIV co-infected individuals are rarely assessed. 

The first aim of the project is to evaluate the epidemiology of chronic HBV among high-risk groups in Rwanda. For this purpose, the study uses secondary data of around 177,691 individuals of presumed high-risk for infection that were screened during a national campaign in 2017. Co-variates available are, for example age, sex, socio-economic status and residence.

The second part of the project focuses on the mortality outcomes of people co-infected with HIV and HBV and people who are mono-infected with HIV for the period January 2016 to December 2018. The analysis will be based on data from cohorts of people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, screened for HBsAg and registered through an electro-medical record system. 

The results of this project shall provide new knowledge on the characteristics of the population and predictors of chronic HBV and mortality, informing resources allocation strategies, treatment adjustments and further researches.  

Cooperation

Rwanda Biomedical Centre, implementing institution in the Rwanda Ministry of Health

Funding

•    Rwanda-German Postgraduate Training Programme (DAAD)
•    HZI
 

PhD Student involved 

Justine Umutesi

Groups

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