HIV/AIDS in South Africa - Co-infection With Tuberculosis

Co-infection With Tuberculosis

In 2007, it was estimated that one third of HIV infected people will develop TB (tuberculosis) in their lifetime. Although not all patients with TB are tested for HIV, in 2006, some 40% of TB patients were tested for HIV. It has been the government policy since 2002 to cross-check all new cases of TB for HIV infection.

Although STI prevention is part of the government's HIV/AIDS programmes, as it is in that of most countries, in South Africa HIV/AIDS prevention is done in conjunction with TB prevention. Most patients who die from HIV-related causes die from TB or similar illnesses. In fact the Health Department's programme of prevention is called the "National HIV and AIDS and TB Programme". In line with United Nations requirements, South Africa has also drawn up an "HIV & AIDS and STI Strategic Plan".