Interim policy on collaborative TB / HIV activities.

Abstract

This policy responds to a demand from countries for immediate guidance on which collaborative TB/HIV activities to implement and under what circumstances. It is complementary to and in synergy with the established core activities of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS prevention and control programmes. Implementing the DOTS strategy is the core activity for tuberculosis control. Similarly infection and disease prevention and health promotion activities and the provision of treatment and care form the basis for HIV/AIDS control. This policy does not call for the institution of a new specialist or independent disease control programme. It rather promotes enhanced collaboration between tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS programmes in the provision of a continuum of quality care at service-delivery level for people with or at risk of tuberculosis and people living with HIV/AIDS. While there is good evidence for the cost effectiveness of the DOTS strategy and several HIV prevention measures the evidence for collaborative TB/HIV activities is limited and is still being generated in different settings. Existing evidence from randomized controlled trials non-randomized trials and other analytical and descriptive observational studies operational research and expert opinion based on sound clinical and field experience was used for this interim policy document. It is a rolling policy which will be continuously updated to reflect new evidence and best practices. (excerpt)