Cutting global health funding in the middle of a pandemic will only prolong the devastating loss of life and economic damage in the U.S. and across the world, and undermine the response to other infectious diseases, including HIV, TB, and hepatitis C.

Darunavir/ritonavir administered with rifampicin causes hepatotoxicities in people living with HIV, according to results of a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

In patients with a history of tuberculosis (TB), the odds of residual pulmonary impairments are 2- to 3-fold higher compared with individuals with no TB history, with especially high rates in patients with multidrug-resistant TB.¹ HIV has been identified as an independent risk factor for predominantly obstructive impairment in lung function. However, there is a dearth of research regarding lung function in HIV-associated TB because patients with HIV are frequently excluded from relevant studies, despite the fact that an estimated 40% of deaths in people with HIV have been attributed to TB.^1,2 

More research required to determine if century-old TB vaccine protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 disease.

Campaign to end TB in the country sidelined as healthcare workers fight to contain spread of pandemic.

WHO offers national assessment Checklist for the Multisectoral Accountability Framework for TB (MAF-TB)

The Stop TB Partnership Secretariat organized a rapid assessment of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic and related measures have on the TB response in 20 high burden countries that represent 54% of the global TB burden, through interviews with National TB Programs (NTPs) and focal points based on a set of open-ended questions. Similarly, the Global Coalition of TB Activists (GCTA) did a worldwide survey through their network of members collecting answers from TB civil society and communities from 16 countries, with data updated regularly.

The lockdown imposed to contain Covid-19 has made it difficult for people with other diseases to access the medicines they need to survive.

Advocates request Cepheid immediately reduce the price of Xpert tests to $5, inclusive of service and maintenance; Cepheid claims costs for each Xpert cartridge "substantially exceed" the requested price target of $5, but does not provide evidence to support this claim.