Human immunodeficiency viral infection in the Republic of South Sudan: A paradigm beyond normality

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), has killed many people in the world. But sub-Saharan African is the hardest-hit and it is a home to 71% of the world's HIV infected people. However, very little is known about HIV cases the Republic of South Sudan. The review examines the prevalence of HIV infection, transmission and treatment and government intervention initiatives to mitigate the spread of the disease in South Sudan.MethodsWe searched the database in www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed for articles on HIV using the terms human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome and Republic of South Sudan. We searched the government documents and website of the ministry of health for articles containing HIV and AIDS.ResultsHIV prevalence in South Sudan ranges between 3.7 and 15.5%. There is however, a generalized heterogeneity in its prevalence, with towns along the border registering higher cases. Major towns within the country also experience higher HIV cases. With increasing cases of self-stigmatization, denial and discrimination of those living with HIV, many more people are expected to acquire and transmit the disease.ConclusionThe rate of HIV infection is on the increase in the Republic of South Sudan. This has been attributed to dismal poverty, illiteracy, lack of awareness programs, having multiple sexual partners and widow inheritance.