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Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS

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Family Health International works with local and national governments and ministries of health to advocate for collaborative programs that acknowledge the dangerous synergy that exists between TB and HIV infection. As a partner on the Tuberculosis Control Assistance Program (TB CAP) and through bilateral and PEPFAR-funded treatment programs, FHI helps decrease morbidity and mortality among TB patients by increasing case detection and treatment success. FHI also offers technical support and develops information, education, and communication materials on TB/HIV coinfection.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that is not confined to HIV+ individuals. However, those infected with HIV are at high risk of developing active TB. Although TB is curable, poor case detection and patients' lack of adherence to treatment make it the leading cause of death among HIV+ people in Africa. Intensive TB case finding must take place in areas severely affected by HIV through coordination of TB and HIV services. FHI's strategy for addressing the interaction of TB and HIV is to:

  • Expand the reach of the strategy known as Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course (DOTS)
  • Establish HIV services at TB service points
  • Incorporate TB control activities at HIV points of service (eg. intensify case finding, TB infection control measures, and TB prevention and treatment)
  • Advocate for greater coordination of TB and HIV programs
  • Provide support to national TB programs
  • Strengthen laboratory capability for TB and HIV diagnosis
  • Conduct operational research