Twin TB/HIV treatment initiative launched

Uganda launched a new programme in the capital, Kampala, on Monday to simultaneously treat and educate people about the twin burdens of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS. Ministry of health officials estimated that half the people living with TB in the east African nation were HIV-positive, with TB being the primary cause of death among them. According to the online African news service, ANDnetwork, acting director-general for health services Sam Okware said the campaign aimed to reduce TB and HIV rates by the end of 2007. The initiative was announced shortly after the UN Special Envoy for Tuberculosis, Jorge Sampaio, called on the international community to increase efforts to combat TB.