Manipur has a high prevalence of HIV, TB (both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB) and hepatitis C. Due to a lack of resources, there is also a high incidence of coinfection in the state. In cases of co infection, each disease speeds up the progress of the other, making the patient more vulnerable and the treatment more difficult. A holistic patient-centric approach can have positive outcomes.
WHAT WE DO
MSF started providing specialised care for HIV and TB in Manipur in 2005 and 2007 respectively. At its clinics located in Churachandpur, Chakpikarong and Moreh (on the Indo-Myanmar border) MSF provides free, high-quality screening, diagnosis and treatment for HIV, TB, Hepatitis C and co – infections.
Since the treatment for DR-TB causes significant side effects, making it difficult for patients to adhere to their treatment regimen, MSF provides pre- and post-test adherence counselling to ensure a successful outcome for the patients. The health education teams also raise awareness on getting tested and treated. Along with treating partners of co-infected patients, MSF also treats hepatitis C patients who are mono-infected in an opioid substitution therapy (OST) centre in Churachandpur.
IN 2018
MSF continued to support the district hospital in Churachandpur by treating the HIV cohort for hepatitis C. Treatment of hepatitis C, including counselling, was started in July 2017, and was scaled up in 2018. MSF also started using a new drug, bedaquiline, for treatment of patients with extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). The latest tool to monitor the progress of HIV in a patient—routine viral load monitoring—was also implemented. Additionally, MSF continued to provide treatment for HIV, TB and hepatitis C at its clinics.
Hepatitis C patients (mono
and co-infected) treated
Drug-sensitive
TB patients treated
People with HIV initiated on
antiretroviral treatment
New DR-TB
patients treated