Maharashtra Launched 1HP: Is It A New Hope Against TB?
The Maharashtra government has launched a new drug regime of 1HP to revolutionise Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT) in people with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Viruses). This new regime has shortened medication duration from 6 months to just 28 days.
Dr Aniruddha Kadu, a WHO (World Health Organisation) consultant, discussed this drug regime. He shared that all HIV patients visiting ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) centres and ICTCs (Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres) with symptoms of night sweats, weight loss, or cough are tested for TB. Dr Kadu further mentioned, “If they test positive, they are put on TB treatment, and if they test negative, they are put on TPT. This short regime of 1HP will definitely increase the adherence amongst the vulnerable population of PLHIV.”
The Maharashtra government has a single-window service for HIV and TB treatment, and both are available at all ART centres in the state. ART centres and ICTCs are linked to testing centres, so patients don’t need multiple visits.
Dr Sandeep Sangle, a health officer working for the Maharashtra government, shared that directions have been issued for ART centres to start 1HP immediately for TPT. He added, “These people are vulnerable to TB infection, which is the leading cause behind morbidity and mortality in PLHIV. People don’t die due to HIV. However, PLHIV is reportedly found to die after contracting TB infection due to delayed or no treatment”.
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Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. It spreads infection in the lungs and tissues and severely affects organs like the spine, brain, and kidneys. People living with HIV or diabetes are at higher risk of being infected by TB.
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