From October 28-31, 2024, Panama City hosted the Regional Meeting of HIV and Tuberculosis National Program Heads for Latin America and the Caribbean. This event brought together more than 100 people, including officials from ministries of health, partner organizations and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Socios En Salud was represented by its general director, Dr. Leonid Lecca, and the general coordinator of the TB-HIV Country Project, Dr. Alberto Mendoza, who are also members of the PAHO Regional Green Light Committee. The meeting focused on discussing the advances and challenges in the control of both diseases, as well as developing a solid regional agenda to combat them.
PAHO organized this regional meeting as an opportunity to deepen technical and programmatic discussions that will accelerate the implementation of strategic interventions and achieve a significant impact on the evolution of the HIV and tuberculosis (TB) epidemics in the region.
El Dr. Leonid Lecca enfatizó un tratamiento centrado en el paciente durante la Reunión Regional de Jefes de Programas Nacionales de VIH y Tuberculosis de América Latina y el Caribe.
Foto de SES
Innovation in TB treatment
In the case of TB, discussions at the meeting focused on improving mortality analysis and implementing shorter treatment regimens. In addition, the importance of expanding the use of innovative and accessible diagnostic methods, especially in remote communities, was emphasized.
Dr. Alberto Mendoza presented Module 4 of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which promotes a patient-centered approach to TB treatment. This vision includes social, psychological and nutritional support to optimize patient recovery.
For his part, Dr. Leonid Lecca highlighted the importance of tailoring treatment to patients’ needs and preferences, moving away from the classic observed treatment approach (OTD) to ensure a full recovery. This shift is crucial to improve treatment adherence and reduce dropout rates.
El médico infectólogo Alberto Mendoza realizó una presentación relacionada al módulo 4 de las directrices sobre tuberculosis de la OMS.
Foto de SES
Strategies and challenges in HIV prevention
For HIV, the meeting highlighted efforts in the prevention and treatment of advanced infections, as well as in the management of co-infections. The need to strengthen the implementation of preventive measures and improve early diagnosis to reduce transmission rates in the region was highlighted.
Interventions also included plans to expand access to antiretroviral treatments, necessary to prevent the infection from progressing to critical stages. The exchange of experiences among countries proved valuable in outlining regional strategies focused on prevention.
This regional meeting has been an important step in aligning strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean in the fight against HIV and tuberculosis. With the commitment of the countries and the recommendations of experts, the region is moving towards a healthier future. Socios En Salud reaffirms its commitment to collaborate with strategic allies and share solutions that promote health equity.
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