Abstract
The global human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
pandemic has resulted in a worsening of the tuberculosis (TB) scenario, especially
in the developing countries. The HIV-TB co-infection has grave epidemiological consequences
for TB in terms of reactivation of latent TB infection, rapid progression of new infections
to active disease and recurrence of infection in cured TB cases. A reported 33.2 million
people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS in 2007. The number of children living with
HIV in 2007 was estimated at 2.1 million (1.9–2.4 million) and those children who
died of AIDS in 2007 was 290,000 (270,000–320,000). The solution to this dreaded dual
infection lies in the phased implementation of TB and HIV control activities with
child centered programs gradually giving way to family centered programs. To reduce
the burden of TB in high HIV prevalence settings, the immediate goal should be to
increase TB case detection rates and, to maximally improve TB cure rates. Public-private
partnerships can enhance continuity of care for patients with TB and HIV/AIDS with
political commitment and leadership from both public and private sectors.
Keywords
Pediatrics - HIV - tuberculosis - co-infection - India - global