A recent survey has shown that the number of people living with HIV/tuberculosis coinfection has gone up by 20 % since 2006. This survey conducted by Uganda’s TB program also said that the success rate for treating TB is 16.7% in Uganda’s capital Kampala despite a high TB detection rate.
Francis Adatu, project manager of the TB program, said that TB is the "leading killer" of HIV-positive people and has become a "national burden," as about 300 new TB cases are reported annually from every constituency in the country. Adatu also noted that about 50% of suspected HIV/TB coinfection cases go undetected and untreated, which leads to the spread of both diseases.In an effort to improve the situation, officials recently launched the Tuberculosis Control Assistance Program. Anna Mukwaya, who heads the program, said the program aims to increase the detection and treatment of TB. The first phase of the program will run for three years in 12 districts -- Bukedea, Buliisa, Hoima, Kampala, Kayunga, Kiboga, Manafwa, Masindi, Mbale, Mpigi, Mukono and Soroti.
Source-Kaiser Family Foundation
KAV/K
