Title : The prevalence and severity of HIV in malaria patients in buea, Cameroon

Background : Malaria and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remain major public health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Cameroon where both diseases coexist at high rates. HIV infection weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to severe malaria outcomes, while malaria may accelerate HIV disease progression by increasing viral replication and immune activation. The interaction between these two diseases contributes significantly to morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality in endemic regions. Buea, located in the South West Region of Cameroon, experiences favorable climatic conditions for malaria transmission and continues to report increasing burdens of communicable diseases. Despite several control programs, limited data exist on the prevalence and clinical severity of HIV among malaria patients within healthcare settings in Buea. This study therefore seeks to assess the prevalence and severity of HIV in malaria patients and provide evidence to strengthen integrated disease management strategies. 
 
Objectives : This study aims to determine the prevalence of HIV among malaria patients attending selected healthcare facilities in Buea, Cameroon, and to assess the relationship between HIV infection and the severity of malaria outcomes. 
 
Methods : A hospital-based cross-sectional study will be conducted among malaria-positive patients attending selected health facilities in Buea. Participants aged 18 years and above diagnosed with malaria through rapid diagnostic tests or microscopy will be recruited using a systematic sampling approach. HIV screening will be performed according to national testing guidelines after informed consent. Structured questionnaires and hospital records will be used to obtain socio-demographic and clinical data. Malaria severity indicators including high parasitemia, anemia, prolonged fever, hospitalization, and neurological complications will be assessed. Data analysis will be performed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics will summarize participant characteristics, while chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses will determine associations between HIV status and malaria severity. Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05. 
 
Expected Results : The study is expected to reveal a measurable prevalence of HIV among malaria patients in Buea and demonstrate that HIV-positive individuals are more likely to experience severe malaria outcomes compared to HIV-negative patients. Findings may also identify additional risk factors associated with co-infection, including age, treatment delay, and socioeconomic conditions. 
 
Conclusion : Understanding the epidemiological relationship between HIV and malaria is essential for improving disease surveillance, early diagnosis, and integrated management approaches in Cameroon. Findings from this study may support policymakers and healthcare professionals in strengthening co-infection prevention strategies, optimizing patient care, and advancing public health interventions aimed at reducing the burden of communicable diseases in malaria-endemic communities. 
 
Keywords : HIV, Malaria, Co-infection, Epidemiology, Public Health, Cameroon.

To be updated shortly..