HIV/AIDS and TB in Central Asia: country profiles

Urgent action needed to contain the growth of TB and HIV in Central Asia

This report, published by the World Bank, looks at the growth of TB and HIV in Central Asia. It emphasises that although HIV levels in the region are currently low, policy makers urgently need to develop strategies for addressing the projected epidemic, based on international evidence on the growth of HIV infection. The report also highlights the seriousness of the TB problem in the sub-region, with rates of multi-drug resistant TB (MDRTB) believed to be among the highest in the world. Other problems identified include a lack of systematic surveillance; poor implementation and coverage of DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course); as well as health systems issues such as corruption and poor access to vulnerable groups.

The report includes a global analysis of both epidemics as well as specific country profiles focusing on Central Asia. It highlights the risk of MDRTB spreading beyond Central Asia, and emphasises that within the sub-region it is only a matter of time before it overlaps with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In conclusion, the report calls for urgent action via multi-lateral and multi-sectoral channels to build the institutional capacity of health services and address gaps in health policy in order to contain these growing epidemics.

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HIV/AIDS and TB in Central Asia: country profiles