Integrated care for tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) comorbidity in Asian countries: health system challenges and opportunities

ABSTRACT

The high prevalence of TB and DM independently in Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal and Philippines underscores the potential high prevalence of TB–DM comorbidity which has become a major global public health concern and a critical public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries. The burden of comorbidity is further compounded by health system constraints leading to limited prevention and diagnostic facilities, limited access to care and completion of treatment. Addressing this growing threat of TB–DM comorbidity would require a multifaceted approach and collaboration across government departments, the private sector and professional bodies. The APO latest policy brief on Integrated care TB and DM comorbidity in Asian countries presents a comprehensive overview and policy recommendations to strengthen integrated care for TB–DM.The Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies is a collaborative partnership which supports and promotes evidence-informed health policy making in the Asia Pacific Region. Based in WHO’s Regional Office for South-East Asia, it brings together governments, international agencies, foundations, civil society and the research community with the aim of linking systematic and scientific analysis of health systems in the Asia Pacific Region with the decision-makers who shape policy and practice.