Abstract
Background and aims. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is still a public health challenge worldwide, with more than 40 million people are living with HIV (PLWHIV) globally. Data on PLWHIV in Libya is limited, especially on people attending routine outpatient care. The aim of this study was to describe the cohort of PLWHIV attending routine follow up at Tripoli University Hospital (TUH) over a 20- year period. Methods. A retrospective, descriptive study using TUH HIV follow up database from the year 2003 through 2022. HIV infection was determined by antibody detection using 4 th generation ELISA. Results. During 20 years, 5410 cases were registered as PLWHIV, with 1:2 females to male ratio. Median age for patients on regular follow up was 48 years (CI: 40-55), while newly registered patients were younger than 35 years. Maximum number of patients. (437) were registered in 2008 and the least in 2021 (83). An increasing trend was noted in 2008, 2014 and 2022. Overall, the proportion of HIV-HCV co-infections over the 20-year period was 39.85%. This proportion was highest in year 2007 (70.2%) while no co-infections were registered in years 2019, 2020, 2021and 2022. Conclusion. Data from the Tripoli University Hospital in Libya over 20 years confirm the existence of a challenging HIV situation. Hence, there is a pressing need for public health education targeting young adults, and the HIV program needs to implement screening for non-HIV, chronic medical conditions (e.g. hypertension, heart disease) for the aging population of PLWHIV attending routine care.