Delivering HIV care through national TB programs (NTPs) has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include utilization of an established TB-control infrastructure, including DOT services; management of the two diseases by a single provider; and the employment of a joint approach between NTPs and national AIDS programs. Disadvantages include the potential to overwhelm TB services by introducing large numbers of patients; a possible increased risk of TB transmission among patients seeking to receive care through the program; and the need for TB physicians to gain specialized knowledge in HIV management.⁷¹

Regardless of the disadvantages, TB and HIV programs must coordinate care in order to maximize diagnoses, continuity of care, utilization of TB and HIV health services, and positive outcomes. Both TB and HIV services should ideally be integrated into primary care services.