3. Reduce the burden of TB among people living with HIV

Close to half of people estimated to have HIV-associated TB are not diagnosed and reported (1). Post-mortem studies have found very high prevalence of undiagnosed TB among people with HIV who have died in healthcare facilities in high TB burden settings (2). Early identification of signs and symptoms of TB followed by diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment in people living with HIV reduces mortality, improves health-related quality of life and reduces transmission of TB. Close collaboration between TB and HIV programmes is essential for minimizing loss to follow-up during the TB screening and diagnostic cascade and for ensuring appropriate treatment of TB infection or TB disease. Close coordination between health providers is also required to ensure household members and close contacts are followed up for TB screening and HIV testing, as well as treatment and prevention, as necessary.

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