Hitting the bull’s eye of ending tuberculosis goal: The challenge of addressing tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus positive population in India

Abstract

Eradicating tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus is all the more important to realise India’s ambitious goal of tuberculosis free India by 2025. Although, continuous efforts are being made to address tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus co-infection, it is imperative to closely monitor the implemented strategies, encourage and validate disease notification system in the country, and bring about societal change to view this disease as an ailment only and not as a stigma.

Keywords: Tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus; Tuberculosis; Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Co-infection; Tuberculosis-free India; India tuberculosis challenge; Human immunodeficiency virus co-infections; Single window system

Core tip: Addressing tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-TB) is essential to achieve the goal of eradicating tuberculosis, as well as achieving the human immunodeficiency virus programme goal of zero mortality due to co-infection. Although, continuous efforts are being made to address HIV-TB co-infection, it is imperative to closely monitor the implemented strategies, encourage and validate disease notification, and document steps taken towards prevention and treatment under the HIV-TB umbrella in the country to realize its vision of sustainable health and eradicate it for good.