Neftaly: Increasing HIV Testing Coverage Among TB Patients Through Strengthened TB-HIV Collaborative Activities
Overview
Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV co-infection remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in high HIV-burden regions. In 2013, HIV testing coverage among TB patients in the targeted provinces was below 25%, leaving many co-infected individuals undiagnosed and untreated. Neftaly is committed to increasing HIV testing coverage among TB patients to over 90% by 2020, focusing on 10 high HIV-burden provinces through strengthening TB-HIV collaborative activities.
Goal
To substantially increase the proportion of TB patients tested for HIV from less than 25% in 2013 to over 90% by 2020 in 10 priority high HIV-burden provinces, thereby improving early diagnosis, treatment linkage, and patient outcomes.
Strategic Objectives
1. Strengthen TB-HIV Collaborative Service Delivery
- Integrate HIV testing services within TB clinics and treatment centers to facilitate same-day testing and counseling.
- Train healthcare workers on TB-HIV co-management protocols and the importance of routine HIV testing for TB patients.
- Enhance referral systems between TB and HIV care services to ensure seamless patient linkage and retention.
2. Expand Access to Quality HIV Testing
- Deploy point-of-care rapid HIV testing kits within TB service points to increase testing convenience and coverage.
- Scale up mobile and community-based HIV testing initiatives targeting TB patients who may face barriers accessing health facilities.
- Promote provider-initiated testing and counseling (PITC) as standard practice for all TB patients.
3. Strengthen Data Systems and Monitoring
- Improve recording and reporting tools to track HIV testing among TB patients accurately.
- Use data to identify gaps, monitor progress, and guide targeted interventions at the provincial and facility levels.
- Support capacity building for health workers in data management and use for quality improvement.
4. Engage Communities and Stakeholders
- Conduct awareness campaigns to educate communities and TB patients on the importance of HIV testing and co-treatment.
- Collaborate with community health workers and peer educators to support patient follow-up and adherence.
- Foster partnerships with local government, NGOs, and development partners to sustain collaborative TB-HIV efforts.
Expected Outcomes
- HIV testing coverage among TB patients increases from less than 25% in 2013 to over 90% by 2020 in the 10 high-burden provinces.
- Improved early detection and treatment initiation of HIV among TB patients, reducing morbidity and mortality.
- Strengthened TB-HIV service integration that enhances patient-centered care and health system efficiency.
- Enhanced data-driven decision-making at provincial and facility levels to sustain and scale successful interventions.
Conclusion
By strengthening TB-HIV collaborative activities, Neftaly is driving a critical public health intervention that ensures TB patients are routinely tested and linked to HIV care. This integrated approach is essential to reducing the dual burden of TB and HIV, improving health outcomes, and moving closer to ending the epidemics in the most affected provinces.