Challenges and Opportunities for Improved Tuberculosis and HIV Prevention in South America

Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cause significant morbidity and mortality in South America. Despite the advances in active case finding and early treatment initiation as core strategies to decrease TB and HIV transmissions, additional efforts are needed to achieve control and eventual elimination of these 2 epidemics. Availability and implementation of preventive strategies using shorter, rifamycin-based regimens for TB preventive therapy and long-acting injectables for HIV prevention are still a challenge in the South American region. In this report, we discuss opportunities to accelerate TB and HIV prevention in the region. We present examples of novel TB and HIV surveillance and prevention initiatives among high-risk groups and vulnerable populations in countries within the region, using precision public health approaches and leveraging digital health and artificial intelligence tools. Finally, we propose a roadmap for ending TB and HIV in South America.