Press Release
Red Cross promotes community-based approach to TB/HIV co-infection
17 March 2008
The British Red Cross is promoting community-based approaches to combating the world’s two deadliest diseases: TB and HIV. The Red Cross and AstraZeneca are working in partnership in Central Asia to implement a community based holistic programme to reduce the impact of TB and HIV among the most vulnerable in society.
TB is among the leading killers of people living with HIV (PLHIV). With more people dying of TB than ever before , support for effective responses to TB/HIV co-infection is essential. The Red Cross’ community based approach is in line with the people-centred slogan for this year’s Stop TB partnership: ‘I Am Stopping TB’.
In Kazakhstan, the Red Crescent provides specialist advice and support to help people with TB/HIV co-infection, and their families to cope with the difficult treatment process and maintain adherence to treatment. This coordinated, holistic continuum of care includes peer support, psychosocial, legal and medical advice and monthly food parcels. Clients attend informal counselling sessions at a drop in centre where they can discuss issues and constraints, including factors that may influence their treatment schedule.
“For those affected by TB and HIV, stigma, poverty and poor access to services challenge the successful completion of TB treatment,” says Catherine Mears, senior health advisor, British Red Cross.
Active participation by volunteers who are former clients of this programme play a vital role. These community-based volunteers are trained to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of TB among the most vulnerable, including former prisoners, the homeless, drug users and people with disabilities.
Alexander is a former client and Red Crescent volunteer who was diagnosed with TB after spending time in prison. "I was one step away from falling over the edge," Alexander explains. "Faced with the grim reality of my life, I made a firm decision. I would carry on with my TB treatment. It is hard to get through, but I completed my intensive nine-month treatment and survived. I chose life."
The British Red Cross and AstraZeneca have been working in partnership since 2002 to tackle TB and co-infection of TB and HIV. "Improving healthcare in the developing world requires genuine partnership between governments, NGOs, healthcare professionals, local leaders and the business community. At AstraZeneca we believe in the power of these partnerships, which is why we have committed scientific expertise and financial investment to find an effective and simple treatment for TB,” says David R. Brennan, chief executive officer, AstraZeneca.
"The results of the partnership have been dramatic", adds Richard Radnor, senior corporate partnerships executive, British Red Cross. "We have helped over 8,000 people in Central Asia and Africa to overcome TB. In some places our treatment adherence rates have exceeded 90% among the most destitute and vulnerable and we have educated more than 750,000 people at risk of developing the disease."
Latest Press Releases
- British Red Cross releases £300k for Zimbabwe appeal
- British Red Cross releases £300k for Zimbabwe appeal
- Philippines typhoon
- Lee Sharpe and England Football Legends Playing For China Earthquake survivors
- Knife crime: ignorance putting young lives at risk, says British Red Cross
- 33 million living with HIV - world not living up to promise on AIDS
- British Red Cross response praised as Pitt highlights increasing flood threat
- UK proud to protect young refugees
- British Red Cross sends sanitation help into China quake zone
- British Red Cross launches China earthquake appeal
Spread your message to an audience that counts, with options available for our website, email bulletins and publications including The House Magazine.
