Clinico-epidemiological profile of children living with HIV/AIDS managed at Heal Africa Hospital, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

BACKGROUND: Conflict in the DRC led to a poor health care. HIV/AIDS in children remains one of the leading causes of pediatric morbidity and mortality. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a sample size of 238 files and aimed to determine the epidemiological profile of children living with HIV at Heal Hospital in 2015. RESULTS: The age ranged from zero to fifteen, with a mean of 6.1 (±3.9) years. Records of PMTCT were noted in 12%. The mean birth weight was 3(±0.8) kg, most cases (88 percent) had normal vaginal delivery. Many of them (71 percent) were living with at least one parent. The majority of the children (92 percent) were from Goma, and 75 percent were diagnosed at WHO Stage 3. At least one episode of hospital admission was reported in 71 percent. Respiratory tract infections were the most common disease, and they were also the leading cause of death. Based on the CD4, which was the most cost-effective method of monitoring, there was an improvement in immunity at the last visit. CONCLUSION: This study pointed out the importance of PMTC and early management of children leaving with HIV/AIDS. Outreach would encourage voluntary HIV/AIDS testing for pregnant women in armed conflict zone.