HIV-2 Incidence Decline in West Africa - A Perspective on the Need for Vigilance

Abstract

In the context of the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in West Africa, the declining incidence of HIV-2 elicits mixed feelings of victory and doubt.Previously, we published a systematic literature review which identified factors contributing to this declining trend but also raised concerns about its sustainability.The aim of this article is to caution against interpreting this trend as a triumph against HIV/AIDS in the region.This caution is deserved due to serious challenges in West Africa that require liberal attention.These include; inadequate diagnostic methods and algorithms for monitoring HIV-2, the possibility of dangerous genetic mutations and resurgence of super-strains, cross-reactivity of HIV types that interfere with accurate reporting of HIV-2 cases, and suboptimal/neglected treatment and care (S/NTC) for HIV-2 individuals.Additionally, gaps in surveillance infrastructure, health inequality in classifying HIV burdens based on HIV type, and deprived HIV-2 research and policy enforcement could create obscurity in HIV-2 data.Considering the existing circumstances, this article highlights the importance of vigilance, re-evaluation of assumptions, and advocacy for unified efforts to address the multidimensional problems associated with HIV-2 to guarantee the sustained integrity of public health.