subject: THE CHALLENGES OF THE DUAL TB/HIV/AIDS INFECTION: [print this page] Abstract Abstract
Aim:This paper is a thesis and is a study to find out whether TB/HIV collaborative activities is a solution to rising TB/HIV dual infection in Nakuru district in Kenya.
Methods: Descriptive analytic study with literature review. Tuberculosis and HIV programmes organization and performance were described at district and national level with analysis of trends of various forms of TB and trends of HIV. A SWOT analysis was done in respect to possibility of collaboration between the two programmes in Nakuru. A Stakeholders analysis based on situation analysis was done for Nakuru in respect to the introduction of collaborative activities in the district. Data available before and after introduction of TB/HIV collaboration is also presented. A review of reviewed literature on Pro TEST pilot projects from three countries Malawi, Zambia and South Africa was used and literature on same topic and related topics were reviewed and discussed
Results: TB/HIV collaborative activities were successfully introduced in Nakuru district. TB/HIV collaboration has been seen to improve community participation, intersectoral collaboration, human resource and case finding. There was an increase in counseling services, trainings, ART provision; referrals and HIV prevention measures. IPT has not been widely used due to logistic problems. Treatment outcome for TB patients showed slight improvement. There isn't enough data and information about awareness of TB/HIV disease and availability of services for managing it.
Conclusion: It was possible and beneficial to introduce TB/HIV collaborative services in Nakuru. It would contribute to combating TB/HIV if introduced in other districts with well operating TB and HIV programmes and high TB/HIV dual infection as an addition to routine DOTS strategy. There is urgent need to start preventive measures for TB/HIV patients. Further research in the community awareness, private sector role in TB/HIV control and human resource management would improve on the control of TB/HIV in Nakuru.
