Feasibility of HIV testing among TB patients in Bumula Sub County towards achieving Global health target.

BACKGROUND

Despite the relationship between the human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) epidemics, the public health responses have largely been separate. Detection of HIV among TB patients is crucial to the holistic management of HIV-TB co-infected patients. This is in line with Global health target of ensuring testing 90 % population, 90% linked to care and treatment and 90% viral suppression.

OBJECTIVE

Broad objective, to assess the feasibility of screening all TB Patients for HIV through RRI.

METHOD

This was retrospective study of 227 TB cases screened for HIV conducted in Bumula Sub County between Jan, 2018 to April, 2019. The 10 health facilities were selected and new targets were given to each facility as per NLTP guidelines. Implementation strategies: ACF sensitization meetings, TB/HIV collaborative activities, DRTB clinical review meeting, Rider-Led Sample networking program, School health courtesy of partners Ampath and Kanco.

RESULTS

In 2018, 32 TB positive of which 9 were TB/HIV coinfected,4(45%)children target 15% , 5 adults(55%), 1 DRTB currently on treatment, In 2019, 86 TB cases of which 21 were TB/HIV coinfected, 2(9.5%) children, 19(90.5%) Achievement: Good CPT/ART uptake due to integration of TB/HIV services in most of the facilities.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that screening TB patients for HIV is crucial for holistic management of TB/HIV commodities. Further study is recommended to prevent DRTB since Kenya has been ranked third among 8 countries under the categories of Tuberculosis, multi-drug resistant TB and TB/HIV; one DRTB person can infect 10 to 15 people in a year. Secondly, consider use of TB lamb in addition to current smear microscopy, Genexpert and culture.