Human immunodeficiency virus neurological complications: an overview of the Ugandan experience

Sub-Saharan Africa, which has about 12% of the global population, is home to almost 70% of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). A recent survey by the Ugandan Ministry of Health has found the HIV prevalence rate to be approximately 7% in sexually active adults. The predominant HIV subtypes present in Uganda are A and D. Health care resources are well planned but often lack human and fiscal resources. Uganda has adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) "3 by 5" global strategy for the introduction of antiretroviral therapy and has surpassed the target. Neurological complications of the HIV virus are common and often have devastating consequences. A recent study in Kampala found the rate of HIV dementia and peripheral neuropathy at 31% and 47%, respectively. Further studies are urgently required to determine the natural history and treatment outcomes of both these common HIV complications.