JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a single infectious disease with 1.2 million annual deaths worldwide and 10 million persons with incident TB estimated in 2019. To prevent TB disease in persons infected with TB and at high risk for disease progression, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends providing tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) to all persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and to all household contacts of persons with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB disease. Global reporting for 2019 showed gains in TPT scale-up among PLHIV, with 75 countries reporting initiation of TPT for 3.5 million individuals, up from 1.8 million in 2018. However, the absence of a harmonized data collection and management approach to TPT indicators has contributed to programmatic challenges at local, national, and global levels. In April 2020, WHO launched the Consolidated HIV Strategic Information Guidelines, with an updated set of priority indicators. These guidelines recommend that Ministries of Health collect, report, and use data on TPT completion in addition to TPT initiation. Both indicators are reflected in WHO’s list of 15 core, or highest priority, indicators for programme management and monitoring and are also required by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting guidance. Although not perfectly harmonized, both frameworks now share essential indicator characteristics. The ability to strengthen programme management through improved data cannot be overstated. Robust data allow programmes to identify geographic and socio-demographic differences in service coverage and quality and helps ensure that no one is left behind. Aligned indicators are also necessary for robust strategic and operational planning, resource allocation, and data communication. “Collect once, use many times” is a best practice for strategic information at local, national, and global levels. Building a harmonized and sustainable health systems will enable countries to successfully maintain essential HIV, TB, and other health services while combatting new health threats.