Combating TB and HIV co-infections in Teso remains a burden

Soroti |On Friday, April 12, 2024, journalists in the Teso sub-region gathered to discuss the ongoing issue of Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV co-infections.

They were provided with critical information about this pressing public health issue.

The training, organised by the Health Journalists Network Uganda, aimed to highlight the region’s challenges in dealing with this intertwined health crisis.

Globally, Uganda is one of 30 countries with high rates of TB/HIV co-infection.

TB affects approximately 90,000 Ugandans each year, with children under the age of 14 accounting for 15% of all cases.

According to available data, 32% are co-infected with TB and HIV. 

Despite national increases in TB case notifications, Teso is seeing a decrease in case detection, which can be attributed to missed opportunities, inadequate health-seeking behaviours, and a lack of public awareness.

The AIDS Information Centre (AIC) report for the Teso highlights men’s poor health-seeking behaviour as a major contributor to lower treatment rates than women.

Statistics paint a concerning picture of tuberculosis prevalence across demographics, with men accounting for 56% of cases, followed by women at 33% and children under the age of five at 11%.

During the media training, Ochieng Gerald, TB Advisor at Aids Information Centre, raised the alarming issue of missing data in TB registers at Teso healthcare facilities. 

He stated that the data gap in surveillance and patient characterization impedes effective tuberculosis treatment and management efforts.

According to the statistics Ochieng shared with journalists, only 61% of symptomatic individuals seek medical attention, with the majority using public facilities. 

However, only 16.3% of patients in these facilities receive appropriate TB investigations.

Teso, with a population of 2.5 million, has adequate diagnostic capacity. However, there is an urgent need to strengthen the link between TB and HIV services.

 HIV testing must be easily accessible and free of charge in all healthcare facilities in order to facilitate early detection and treatment.

Ochieng emphasised the importance of improving health workers’ ability to manage tuberculosis cases, as well as community engagement and awareness campaigns aimed at dispelling myths and encouraging prompt medical attention.

“Addressing the socioeconomic factors associated with tuberculosis transmission is critical. Additionally, prevention strategies must be reinforced, emphasising the importance of infection control measures and adherence to treatment regimens,” stated Ochieng.

Abdallah Ochoggia, Advocacy and Communications Specialist at Aids Information Centre, highlighted the socioeconomic impact of tuberculosis, emphasising the importance of implementing social protection measures such as monthly food assistance for diagnosed individuals.

Given these challenges, all stakeholders must work together to effectively combat tuberculosis and HIV co-infection. 

Teso can work towards a healthier future for its residents by implementing targeted interventions and committing to improving healthcare access and awareness.

By Robert Edwomu.