Supporting HIV Patients with a 3HP TB Prevention Plan in Tanzania

In January 2024, Tanzania began using a 12-dose weekly regimen of isoniazid and rifapentine (3HP) to prevent TB in people with HIV. This medicine can be taken for just 12 weeks instead of the usual 9 months. A study was done before the start of this program to see if a support system involving family members, SMS reminders, and educational sessions would help patients finish the treatment. People with HIV, their support friends, and community health workers took part in this study. The study happened in 12 HIV care centers across 6 regions in Tanzania. 20 people with HIV, 12 community health workers, and 23 support friends were asked about their experiences.

People with HIV understood they are at a higher risk for active TB and that 3HP can help prevent it. They learned about TB and the treatment through educational sessions. However, support friends didn't join as much as expected because traveling to clinics was expensive. People liked reminders from trusted people and SMS. Many said the medicine made them feel a bit unwell, but they were positive because 3HP is a shorter treatment. They also liked the TB counseling, felt good about helping others, and found the treatment fit their lifestyle and work schedule. Some people who couldn't find family support chose close friends or community health workers. This support system is well-liked by people with HIV, support friends, and community health workers. They feel it fits well with the current personalized care. This should be considered for use in other places, but more study is needed to see how well it works with other people who can take 3HP.

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