European framework to decrease the burden of TB/HIV.

Tuberculosis (TB) in Europe is declining in countries in western and central Europe, but the burden is still high and increasing in eastern Europe. HIV/AIDS is increasing dramatically in eastern Europe. HIV-related tuberculosis (TB/HIV) morbidity and mortality are expected to accelerate significantly in the future. This framework aims to guide European countries in developing their national plan for reducing TB/HIV morbidity and mortality. It results from an extensive consultation process undertaken by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe and by those responsible for HIV/AIDS and TB programmes and their partners. It builds on strategies developed globally and in Europe for TB control and for HIV/AIDS prevention and care. This framework sets out the rationale for effective collaboration between HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis national programmes. It identifies five strategic components (political commitment, collaborative prevention, intensified case-finding, coordinated treatment and strengthened surveillance) and eight key operations (central coordination, policy development, surveillance, training, supply management, service delivery, health promotion and research).