In recognition of World TB day on 24th March this issue looks at HIV and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection.

TB/HIV co-infection is a problem that affects at least one third of the 33 million people living with HIV (PLHIV).

TB is the leading cause of death among PLHIV in Africa and is responsible for at least 13% of all deaths in PLHIV worldwide.

However, TB is a curable and easily preventable disease, and must be part of our comprehensive response to HIV.

The lead article by Alasdair Reed, the TB/HIV Adviser at UNAIDS, looks at how TB is an avoidable threat to the global AIDS response and this is followed by an article looking at some simple practical steps that all our Member Associations can take to reduce TB/HIV co-infection.

Winstone Zulu, an international TB/HIV activist, also provides a perspective on issues facing people living with HIV who are co-infected with TB.