HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis Organizations Open Dialogue on Treating Co-Infected Individuals in Developing Countries
On NPR's "Morning Edition" on Tuesday, host Bob Edwards spoke with Sandra Thurman, president of the International AIDS Trust, about dialogue between tuberculosis and HIV public health organizations regarding the treatment of people who are co-infected with TB and HIV. Traditionally, campaigns against the two diseases have competed for attention and resources. However, according to Thurman, about one-third of all HIV-positive people are co-infected with TB. Thurman said that TB treatment is inexpensive -- $10 for a full course of treatment in many developing countries -- and readily available, but TB continues to be the most common cause of death among people with AIDS. International political and public will is needed to begin treating people for TB, as it is the "most cost effective way of treating people with HIV," according to Thurman (Edwards, "Morning Edition," NPR, 11/25).
The segment is available online in RealPlayer.
