What steps has the Govt. of India taken to tackle this dual epidemic?
Ans. Recognizing the serious threat posed by HIV-TB co-infection, the Government of India has emphasized the need for strengthening collaboration between TB and AIDS control programs for better management of HIV-infected patients with TB. An Action Plan for tackling this dual epidemic has been drawn up at the Center between both the programmes which initially focuses on the six high prevalence States and is under implementation at the moment by both the National Programmes. Efforts are being made to establish Voluntary Counseling & Testing for HIV, diagnosis for TB and Direct Observed Treatment- short course for TB under the same roof to make such services available to the needy patients.
