Two diseases, same person: moving towards a combined HIV and TB continuum of care

Abstract

SummarySettingThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis syndemic remains a global public health threat. Separate HIV and TB global targets have been set, however, success will depend on achieving combined disease control objectives and care continua.ObjectiveReview available policy, budgets and data to re-conceptualize TB and HIV disease control objectives by combining HIV and TB care continua.MethodsFor 22 WHO TB and TB/HIV priority countries, we used 2014 and 2015 data from the HIV90-90-90watch website, UNAIDS Aidsinfo, and WHO 2016 Global TB Report. Global resources available in TB and HIV/TB activities for 2003-2017 was collected from publically available sources.ResultsIn 22 high burden countries people living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART ranged from 9-70%; viral suppression was 38-63%. TB treatment success ranged from 34-94% with 13 (43% HIV/TB burden) countries above 80% TB treatment success. From 2003-2017, global international and domestic resources for HIV-associated TB and TB averaged $2.6 billion per year; the total for 2003-2017 was 39 billion dollars.ConclusionReviewing combined HIV and TB targets demonstrate disease control progress and challenges. Using an integrated HIV and TB continuum supports HIV and TB disease control efforts focused on improving both individual and public health.FundingNone