The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an important update on the co-administration of treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis and hepatitis C (HCV). According to new research, it is feasible to treat both diseases simultaneously with potential benefits outweighing the harms. Co-administration could increase treatment success rates, reduce failures, losses to follow-up, and deaths among those with MDR/RR-TB.
As Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global TB Programme, explained, this approach poses a significant threat to the health of many individuals worldwide. However, offering effective therapies for both diseases at once can lead to improved health outcomes and save lives. This news will be particularly useful for national TB programs, hepatitis programs, policymakers, and technical organizations as they work to integrate and enhance TB services at the country level.
The upcoming edition of WHO consolidated guidelines on TB treatment will include these updated recommendations and detailed findings from the evidence review. Despite the success of short-course oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in HCV treatment, managing chronic HCV in MDR/RR-TB patients presents challenges due to differing national policies and practices. To address this gap in knowledge, WHO sought expert evidence from clinical experts globally.
WHO expresses gratitude to all individuals and organizations involved in contributing to the data that informed these updates, including Guideline Development Group members, evidence reviewers, national TB programs
