Tuberculosis and HIV in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

Tuberculosis [TB] is an important public health problem in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the World Health Organization. Every year the disease kills 136, 000 people and affects 630, 000 more. HIV is the most significant risk factor for progression from subclinical infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis to active TB. Although the HIV/AIDS threat in the Region appears to be relatively modest and so far there has been no evidence of an impact of HIV on TB epidemiology in the Region, there is a need to jointly address HIV infection and TB more effectively. In this paper the TB situation in the Region and the measures being taken to combat it are outlined. The impact of HIV infection on TB and the repercussions this could have on theTB situation in the Region are also discussed. Actions that are needed to tackle this double burden are suggested.