| Title | Lessons from Tanzania on the integration of HIV and tuberculosis treatments into methadone assisted treatment. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2014 |
| Authors | Bruce, Douglas R., Barrot Lambdin, Olivia Chang, Frank Masao, Jessie Mbwambo, Ibrahim Mteza, Cassian Nyandindi, Sophia Zamudio-Haas, Deus Buma, Megan S. Dunbar, and Gad Kilonzo |
| Journal | The International journal on drug policy |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pagination | 22-5 |
| Date Published | 2014 Jan |
| ISSN | 1873-4758 |
| Keywords | Delivery of Health Care, Integrated, HIV Infections, Humans, Mental Health Services, Methadone, Opiate Substitution Treatment, Opioid-Related Disorders, Program Development, Tanzania, Tuberculosis |
| Abstract | To successfully address HIV and TB in the world, we must address the healthcare needs of key populations, such as drug users, and we must do this urgently. Currently in Tanzania, as in many countries, the care for these medical disorders is separated into disease specific clinical environments. Our consortium began working to integrate HIV and TB clinical services into the methadone program in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We present the key lessons learned in this process of integration and the importance of integrating HIV/TB into the methadone program, which serves as a critical anchor for adherence to clinical services. Integrated healthcare for people who use drugs is clearly a long-term goal and different health systems will progress upon this continuum at different rates. What is clear is that every health system that interacts with drug users must aspire to achieve some level of integrated healthcare if the incidence rates of HIV and TB are to decline. |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.drugpo.2013.09.005 |
| Alternate Journal | Int. J. Drug Policy |
