TB preventive treatment for people with HIV shown effective in real-world settings

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant cause of AIDS-related deaths, claiming a quarter of them in 2024 alone. Despite being preventable and curable, TB has long been a challenge for people living with HIV. However, a new study has demonstrated the real-world effectiveness of TB preventive treatment in high-burden countries. Conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Emory University, the research evaluated data from six countries with high rates of both TB and HIV: Haiti, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe.

The study found that TB preventive treatment, typically involving six months of isoniazid, reduced both TB incidence and mortality among people with HIV. This conclusion was drawn from routine HIV programs, not clinical trials, highlighting the tangible impact of scaled-up delivery of TB preventive treatment. TB is the leading cause of infectious disease death globally, with over 10.7 million people sick and 1.2 million dying from it in 2024.

Vulnerability to TB is widespread, affecting older adults, children, and those with weakened immune systems like those living with HIV or cancer. TB can occur anywhere, including the United States, where it affects all 50 states. However, recent funding cuts to global health programs, including those combating TB, could lead to over half a million additional TB-related deaths and increased financial burdens for affected families.

The findings underscore the importance of continuing TB preventive treatment in HIV care programs, especially as funding for global health initiatives faces potential reductions.