Tuberculosis

Caritas updates on tuberculosis

A diagnosis of tuberculosis is upsetting – even though a strict treatment regime will usually beat all but the most drug-resistant strains.

But when TB infects someone whose immune system is already compromised by the HIV virus, doctors begin talking of the “deadly duo.” In Africa, at least one person living with both HIV and TB dies every three minutes. Children with TB and HIV who have not been diagnosed and treated, rarely survive beyond their second birthday.

Through its HAART for Children campaign, Caritas is pressing for access to the medications required to treat both TB and HIV to be available in child-friendly forms. Caritas also wants government and the pharmaceutical industry to take determined action by providing diagnostic testing for children in poor and rural environments. Caritas also urges more effective help for adults with TB or those who are co-infected.

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In Swaziland, TB causes 50%
of all AIDS-related deaths.

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In Swaziland, it is estimated that the TB and
HIV dual infection rate is 79%.

Caritas Updates on Tuberculosis

tuberculosis
How Caritas works on Health & HIV

Caritas campaigns for better access to health care, focusing its efforts in the 4 key areas of preventing and treating HIV and AIDS, combating tuberculosis, curtailing non-communicable diseases and preparing for a possible influenza pandemic. Learn more.