Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - May 4, 2005
African and international health and development officials met to discuss the "spiralling epidemic" of TB, which "in combination with HIV is overwhelming many health services in the region", the organisation said in a statement.
The "road map" calls for greater political commitment by governments to fight the disease, and for the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa's Development to "mainstream TB control into the region's health and development agenda".
An estimated $1,1-billion will be needed to fight the disease in Africa in 2006 and 2007.
"More than ever before, African leadership is highly committed to health development, in particular to the triad of HIV/Aids, TB and malaria," World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director for Africa Dr Luis Gomes Sambo said at the meeting.
"But more attention needs to be paid to increasing and sustaining resources to scale up field interventions if the Millennium Development Goals are to be achieved."
According to the WHO, TB incidence rates have tripled since 1990 in 21 African countries with high levels of HIV/Aids.
Of the 15 countries in the world with the highest TB rates, 13 are in Africa. More than two million Africans contract TB every year and at least 540 000 die.
The plan calls for the establishment of an African Stop TB Partnership, and rapid support to improve the quality of TB diagnosis and treatment.
It also emphasises interventions to ensure that HIV-infected people are screened and treated for TB, and the involvement of NGOs, private health providers and communities in communication campaigns to raise awareness that TB treatment can save lives.
The plan builds on the recommendations made by the AU, United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/Aids, UN Economic Commission for Africa and WHO in their 2004 report in response to the HIV/Aids, TB and malaria epidemics.
050504
SA050501
Copyright © 2005 - South African Press Association. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the South African Press Association, Cotswold House, Greenacres Office Park, Cnr. Victory & Rustenburg Roads, VICTORY PARK, PO BOX 7766, JOHANNESBURG, 2000; Fax No: +27 11 782-1587/8, Tel No: +27 11 782-1600.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .