Why TB/HIV?

HIV/AIDS is dramatically fuelling the TB epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, where up to 70% of TB patients are co-infected with HIV in somecountries. For many years efforts to tackle TB and HIV have been largelyseparate, despite the overlapping epidemiology. Improved collaborationbetween TB and HIV/AIDS programmes will lead to more effective controlof TB among HIV-infected people and to significant public health gains.

HIV-positive people can easily be screened for TB; if they are infectedthey can be given prophylactic treatment to prevent development of thedisease or curative drugs if they already have the disease. TB patientscan be offered an HIV test; indeed, research shows that TB patients aremore likely to accept HIV testing than the general population. Thismeans TB programmes can make a major contribution to identifyingeligible candidates for ARV treatment.

Yet barriers exist. While new international guidelines call for agreater linkage between HIV and TB programmes, there is littlecollaboration at the national and community level. TB programmes,guidelines and strategies are not mindful of HIV. TB prophylaxis, now arecommended strategy for HIV+ people in high TB risk areas, is notwidely available, adding both to the health problems of HIV+ people andthe spread of TB in the community. diagnosis and treatment strategiesdo not always ensure that HIV+ people can get access to DOTS therapy,the current standard of care.

Fight AIDS Fight TB
Two epidemics
One person

Come to the workshop to get the facts about TB HIV, hear from activistswho are working with the WHO and in the field to ensure that that TB andHIV are integrated at the national and community level. Together wewill brainstorm on how HIV activists can get involved in moving publichealth close to the needs of HIV people in TB-impacted community.

Speakers will include Dr. Paul Nunn, from the Stop TB Partnership, MarkHarrington, who has been working with the WHO on treatment guidelines,and Sipho Mthathi from the Treatment Action Campaign, which has beenleading the fight to integrate TB into HIV treatment literacy and advocacy. We are also inviting other community activists who areworking at the national level on TB HIV.