Abstract

These interactions affect the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and general healthcare of the patients with both
conditions. Although HIV and SCD coexist, few properly designed studies show systematic investigation into their
interaction. The evidence that is available and is presented in this review shows that SCD slows the progression of
HIV into AIDS but that, on the other hand, HIV worsens SCD; drugs for treating both diseases interact with each
other and the respective diseases; and both diseases are risk factors for certain diseases such as stroke, avascular
necrosis, severe splenic dysfunction, PAH, and sepsis, which could synergistically increase the odds of getting those
diseases. Properly documented information on this has the potential to inform national health policies in these areas,
many of which are developing countries. There is therefore the need for further research on the impact of this
contemporaneity on the health and well-being of individuals and their families, as well as society as a whole