Background: Because of shared routes of transmission, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection isrncommon in Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. HIV and HCV coinfection isrnmajor global health concern. However, limited data of this coinfection are available in Ethiopia.rnObjective: The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of HIV/HCV coinfectionrnrate and to assess if sociodemographic characteristics and potential risk factors are associatedrnwith HCV seropositivity in consecutive attendants of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT)rncenter and HIV follow up clinics of Mekelle hospital.rnMethods: A hospital based cross-sectional survey was carried out on VCT center and HIV followrnup attendees from December 2010 to January 2011. An interviewer-administered questionnairernwas used to collect data on demographic information and risk factors associated with HCVrninfection. The rapid immuno-chromatographic test was applied for detection of HCV antibodies.rnResults: Out of a total of 300 consecutive attendants, 135 were VCT center clients and 165 werernHIV follow up cases. There were more females 181 (60.3%) than males, 119 (39.7%). Thernoverall anti-HCV prevalence was 6.0% (18/300, 95% CI= 3.6%-9.3%). There were nornsignificant differences in HCV seroprevalence among the different categories of age and sex (p>rn0.05). Of the 174 persons with HIV, 16 (9.2%) cases had antibodies to HCV, where as amongrn126 HIV negative subjects, 2 (1.58%) were HCV seropositive (p= 0.006, OR= 6.28, 95% CI=rn1.42-27.82). Accordingly, there was a significant difference in sero-positivity of HCV betweenrnHIV positive and HIV negative participants. No apparent risk factor that caused HCV infectionrnwas inferred from this study (p>0.05).rnConclusion: This study showed a significant percentage of HCV infection in HIV positive cases.rnHence, with emphasis given to HIV positive cases screening for HCV infection has importance.rnBased on the result obtained, recommendations were forwarded to build up nationwide hospitalrnand community-based surveys of HIV/HCV coinfection so that to decipher the prevalence withrnthe possible risk factors and to increase public awareness about this dual disease.rnKeywords: HCV; HIV; coinfection; prevalence; VCT center; HIV follow up clinic; Mekellernhospital