Tuberculosis is the leading cause of mortality among persons living with HIV (PLHIV), accounting for a third of AIDS-related deaths in 2019. While estimates suggest that PLHIV are 19 times more likely to contract TB, case-finding among PLHIV remains low with 49% unaware of their coinfection. WHO-recommended LF-LAM facilitates quicker TB diagnosis and initiation on treatment (or TB preventive therapy for those without active TB) among PLHIV, but uptake of this test in high TB/HIV burden countries has been too slow. In this session, we will explore barriers to TB diagnosis among PLHIV, spotlight successful adoptions of LF-LAM, highlight results from existing LF-LAM, and preview other diagnostic tools in the pipeline. The session will also include a panel discussion outlining what needs to be done to accelerate access to appropriate tests and treatments to reduce TB-related deaths among PLHIV.

Tuberculosis is the leading cause of mortality among persons living with HIV (PLHIV), accounting for a third of AIDS-related deaths in 2019. While estimates suggest that PLHIV are 19 times more likely to contract TB, case-finding among PLHIV remains low with 49% unaware of their coinfection. WHO-recommended LF-LAM facilitates quicker TB diagnosis and initiation on treatment (or TB preventive therapy for those without active TB) among PLHIV, but uptake of this test in high TB/HIV burden countries has been too slow. In this session, we will explore barriers to TB diagnosis among PLHIV, spotlight successful adoptions of LF-LAM, highlight results from existing LF-LAM, and preview other diagnostic tools in the pipeline. The session will also include a panel discussion outlining what needs to be done to accelerate access to appropriate tests and treatments to reduce TB-related deaths among PLHIV.