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HIV

COVID-19 Pandemic Disrupts HIV Testing Services in Sierra Leone

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted HIV testing services in Sierra Leone, with a 6% decrease in the number of tests conducted during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period. However, the research found that HIV testing rates recovered quickly after the pandemic, with a substantial 36% increase in the post-pandemic period. The study also highlighted that women were twice as likely to be tested for HIV as men across all periods.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 6% decrease in HIV testing rates in Sierra Leone during the pandemic period, from 58,588 tests in the pre-COVID phase to 55,141 tests during the pandemic phase.
  • The number of HIV tests conducted increased substantially by 36% in the post-COVID-19 period, from 55,141 tests to 74,954 tests.
  • Women were twice as likely to be tested for HIV as men across all periods, with 38,825 women tested for HIV pre-COVID-19, 36,923 women tested during the COVID-19 phase, and 49,205 women tested post-COVID-19.
  • The study found that while the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted HIV testing services, they recovered quickly after the pandemic.
  • The research highlights the importance of learning from previous epidemics to develop adaptive strategies for maintaining essential health services during public health emergencies.

Statistics:

  • 58,588: The median number of HIV tests conducted in the pre-COVID-19 phase.
  • 55,141: The median number of HIV tests conducted during the COVID-19 phase.
  • 74,954: The median number of HIV tests conducted in the post-COVID-19 phase.
  • 36%: The increase in HIV testing rates in the post-COVID-19 period compared to the pandemic period.
  • 6%: The decrease in HIV testing rates during the COVID-19 pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period.
  • 2:1: The ratio of women to men tested for HIV across all periods.

Sources:

  • "Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on regional and national uptake of HIV testing services in Sierra Leone: a descriptive analysis." BMC Public Health, 2025;25(1):3445.
  • NewsRx. Study Findings on HIV/AIDS Are Outlined in Reports from Ministry of Health (Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on regional and national uptake of HIV testing services in Sierra Leone: a descriptive analysis). AIDS Weekly. October 20, 2025; p 255.

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