High Prevalence of HPV Infection Found in Ethiopian Women Living with HIV

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Addis Ababa University have conducted a study to assess the prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection among women living with HIV in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study screened 3,303 women and found a high prevalence of HPV infection, particularly among women aged 25-29 and those with a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The research suggests that offering screening services to women with HIV is crucial in reducing the risk of cervical lesions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The prevalence of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection was 28.7% among the 3,303 women screened.
  • Women aged 25-29 had 68% higher odds of being infected with hrHPV compared to those aged 40-49 (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.68, 95% CI 1.26, 2.22).
  • Women who were married or widowed had lower odds of hrHPV infection compared to divorced women.
  • A history of STI was significantly associated with VIA positivity (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.12, 2.54).
  • The prevalence of hrHPV in women with HIV was higher compared to other studies conducted in Ethiopia.
  • The study highlights the importance of offering screening services to women with HIV to reduce the risk of cervical lesions.

Statistics:

  • 28.7% of the 3,303 women screened had high-risk HPV infection.
  • 145 (15.3%) women had HPV 16, and 38 (4%) had HPV 18.
  • 695 (73.3%) women had 'other high-risk HPV'.
  • 70 (7.4%) women had multiple hrHPV infections, with 2 HPV DNA types found in a single sample.
  • 82.9% (948 out of 1,148) of hrHPV-positive clients had a follow-up VIA screening.
  • 15.5% (122 out of 786) of those screened had VIA positive findings.

Sources:

  • Prevalence and factors associated with high-risk human papillomavirus infection and cervical lesions among women with HIV in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. BMC Cancer, 2025;25(1):1557.
  • Bmc, Campus, 4 Crinan St, London N1 9XW, England.
  • BioMed Central - www.biomedcentral.com/
  • BMC Cancer - www.biomedcentral.com/bmccancer/
  • NewsRx. Researchers from Addis Ababa University Report Findings in HIV/AIDS (Prevalence and factors associated with high-risk human papillomavirus infection and cervical lesions among women with HIV in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). AIDS Weekly. October 27, 2025; p 129.