SARS-CoV-2 co-detection with influenza and human respiratory syncytial virus in Ethiopia: Findings from the severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) and influenza-like illness (ILI) sentinel surveillance, January 01, 2021, to June 30, 2022.

SARS-CoV-2 co-infection with the influenza virus or human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may complicate its progress and clinical outcomes. However, data on the co-detection of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory viruses are limited in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa to inform evidence-based response and decision-making. We analyzed 4,989 patients' data captured from the national severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) and influenza-like illness (ILI) sentinel surveillance sites over 18 months period from January 01, 2021, to June 30, 2022.

Infection prevention and control and related practices in African neonatal units: The Pan-African neonatal care assessment study (PANCAS).

Background: The burden of neonatal mortality is primarily borne by low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including deaths due to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Few studies have assessed infection prevention and control (IP&C) practices in African units caring for small and/or sick newborns aimed to reduce HAIs.

Methods: We performed a mixed-methods study composed of a survey and virtual tour to assess IP&C and related practices.

Brief Report: Self-Reported HIV-Positive Status but Subsequent HIV-Negative Test Results in Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment Survey Participants-11 Sub-Saharan African Countries, 2015-2018.

Background: HIV testing is a critical step to accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) because early diagnosis can facilitate earlier initiation of ART. This study presents aggregated data of individuals who self-reported being HIV-positive but subsequently tested HIV-negative during nationally representative Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment surveys conducted in 11 countries from 2015 to 2018.

Method: Survey participants aged 15 years or older were interviewed by trained personnel using a standard questionnaire to determine HIV testing history and self-reported HIV status.

Gender-based violence and associated factors among female sex workers in Ethiopia. Evidence from The National Bio-behavioral Survey, 2020.

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is usually defined as unequal power relations between men and women, which poses a widespread public health problem. The study evaluated the prevalence and factors associated with GBV among female sex workers (FSWs) in Ethiopia.

Method: We used cross-sectional bio-behavioral data collected using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in 2020 from 16 towns in Ethiopia.

Data-Exchange Between Electronic Medical Record and Viral-Load Laboratory Database Towards Improving HIV Care in Ethiopia.

Electronic viral load (VL) Test Ordering and Result Reporting System (ETORRS) was introduced to create data exchange between the existing VL database and the electronic medical record (EMR) system, with the aim of reducing laboratory test results turnaround time (TAT), improving data quality, and supporting timely clinical response for patients with high VL. This use case is an illustrative example of initiating and adopting the principles of health information exchange for a priority health program.

Use of Electronic Quality Monitoring Tool and Central Dashboard to Improve Clinical and Programmatic Decisions.

The HIV service quality improvement tool is deployed in 123 health facilities in Ethiopia. The tool uses a central dashboard for visualization and decision making at the health facility and higher levels of the health systems. The dashboard is developed on excel with analytics about HIV testing, case finding, treatment linkage and quality indicators.

Prevalence and factors associated with inconsistent condom use among female sex workers in Ethiopia: findings from the national biobehavioral survey, 2020.

Background: The HIV prevalence among Ethiopian female sex workers (FSWs) is estimated to be around 18.5%, which implies that FSWs' sexual partners are significantly exposed to HIV infection and that may be a major factor in HIV transmission in the community. However, it has long been known that using condoms correctly and consistently is an extremely cost-effective global method for preventing HIV infection, but inconsistent condom use (ICU) would pose the greatest proximal risk of HIV acquisition and transmission.

Correction: Prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B and C virus infections among female Sex workers in Ethiopia: Results of the national biobehavioral Survey, 2020.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Determinants of sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Ethiopia: a count regression model approach.

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health problem worldwide, with the burden of these infections being high among female sex workers (FSWs), who are often not aware of their infection status. This study aimed to determine the factors that are associated with the number of STIs among FSWs in Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional bio-behavioral study involving respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was conducted among 6,085 FSWs in 16 towns in Ethiopia.

Predictors of HIV testing among youth 15-24 years in urban Ethiopia, 2017-2018 Ethiopia population-based HIV impact assessment.

Introduction: Youth (adolescents and young adults) aged 15-24 years comprise approximately 22% of Ethiopia's total population and make up 0.73% of HIV cases in urban Ethiopia. However, only 63% of HIV-positive youth are aware of their HIV status.

Contraception and intersection with HIV services in 11 high HIV burden sub-Saharan African countries: Results from the population-based HIV Impact Assessment cross-sectional studies conducted from 2015 to 2018.

Objective: The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3.7.1 addresses the importance of family planning.

Prevalence of syphilis and associated factors among female sex workers in Ethiopia: findings from a multilevel analysis of a national bio-behavioral survey.

Background: Syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection posing a significant public health challenge, especially in developing countries, including sub-Saharan Africa. Female sex workers are exposed to sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, because of their sexual behavior and limited access to health services. However, data on national syphilis prevalence estimates and the associated factors are scarce in Ethiopia.

Prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B and C virus infections among female Sex workers in Ethiopia: Results of the national biobehavioral Survey, 2020.

Background: Hepatitis B and C virus infections are endemic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest prevalence of these infections in the world. Female sex workers are exposed to sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis B and C, because of their high-risk sexual behavior and limited access to health services. There are no large-scale data on the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections among female sex workers in Ethiopia, a critical gap in information this study aimed to fill.

Spatial distribution and determinants of HIV prevalence among adults in urban Ethiopia: Findings from the Ethiopia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment Survey (2017-2018).

The design and evaluation of national HIV programs often rely on aggregated national data, which may obscure localized HIV epidemics. In Ethiopia, even though the national adult HIV prevalence has decreased, little information is available about local areas and subpopulations. To inform HIV prevention efforts for specific populations, we identified geographic locations and drivers of HIV transmission.

Progress towards controlling the HIV epidemic in urban Ethiopia: Findings from the 2017-2018 Ethiopia population-based HIV impact assessment survey.

Introduction: In 2014, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS set an 'ambitious' 90-90-90 target for 2020. By 2016, there were disparities observed among countries in their progress towards the targets and some believed the targets were not achievable. In this report, we present the results of data from the Ethiopia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment survey analyzed to assess progress with the targets and associated factors.

Factors associated with unawareness of HIV-positive status in urban Ethiopia: Evidence from the Ethiopia population-based HIV impact assessment 2017-2018.

Background: The HIV epidemic in Ethiopia is concentrated in urban areas. Ethiopia conducted a Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (EPHIA) in urban areas between October 2017 and April 2018 to measure the status of the country's response to the epidemic.

Methods: We conducted field data collection and HIV testing in randomly selected households using the national, rapid testing algorithm with laboratory confirmation of seropositive samples using a supplemental assay.

Unawareness of HIV Infection Among Men Aged 15-59 Years in 13 Sub-Saharan African Countries: Findings From the Population-Based HIV Impact Assessments, 2015-2019.

Background: Identifying men living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is critical to end the epidemic. We describe the underlying factors of unawareness among men aged 15-59 years who ever tested for HIV in 13 SSA countries.

Methods: Using pooled data from the nationally representative Population-based HIV Impact Assessments, we fit a log-binomial regression model to identify characteristics related to HIV positivity among HIV-positive unaware and HIV-negative men ever tested for HIV.

Outcomes among HIV-infected children initiating HIV care and antiretroviral treatment in Ethiopia.

Objective: To describe pediatric ART scale-up in Ethiopia, one of the 21 global priority countries for elimination of pediatric HIV infection.

Methods: A descriptive analysis of routinely collected HIV care and treatment data on HIV-infected children (<15 years) enrolled at 70 health facilities in four regions in Ethiopia, January 2006-September 2013. Characteristics at enrollment and ART initiation are described along with outcomes at 1 year after enrollment.

Burden of malaria among adult patients attending general medical outpatient department and HIV care and treatment clinics in Oromia, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Background: Malaria and HIV/AIDS constitute major public health problems in Ethiopia, but the burden associated with malaria-HIV co-infection has not been well documented. In this study, the burden of malaria among HIV positive and HIV negative adult outpatients attending health facilities in Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia was investigated.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study among HIV-positive patients having routine follow-up visits at HIV care and treatment clinics and HIV-seronegative patients attending the general medical outpatient departments in 12 health facilities during the peak malaria transmission season was conducted from September to November, 2011.

Characteristics and outcomes of adult Ethiopian patients enrolled in HIV care and treatment: a multi-clinic observational study.

Background: We describe trends in characteristics and outcomes among adults initiating HIV care and treatment in Ethiopia from 2006-2011.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal analysis of HIV-positive adults (≥ 15 years) enrolling at 56 Ethiopian health facilities from 2006-2011. We investigated trends over time in the proportion enrolling through provider-initiated counseling and testing (PITC), baseline CD4+ cell counts and WHO stage.