Regional Collaborating Committee on Accelerated Response to Tuberculosis, HIV and Viral Hepatitis (RCC-THV)
The RCC-THV is a European platform for interactive exchange of information and strengthened involvement of national and international partners, including civil society organizations, in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care of tuberculosis (TB), HIV and viral hepatitis, hosted by WHO/Europe. Originally focused on TB and multidrug-/extensively drug-resistant TB (M/XDR-TB), it was established as the RCC-TB through a consultative process with civil society organizations, technical partners and donors, and first met in December 2012.
Mission
The RCC-THV aims to support the achievement in the WHO European Region of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.3* – by ending the epidemics of HIV and TB by 2030 and combating hepatitis – and to ensure universal health coverage for the 3 diseases. The RCC-THV contributes by fostering collaborative efforts, including reinforcing partnerships, advocacy, communication and social mobilization, and facilitating an accelerated response to TB (including M/XDR-TB), HIV and viral hepatitis prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.
Composition and membership
The RCC-THV is composed of an inclusive network and a Core Group. The network comprises stakeholders with substantial expertise and experience in areas related to TB, M/XDR-TB, HIV and viral hepatitis prevention, control and care. These include representatives of technical and funding agencies, civil society and professional organizations, philanthropic foundations, communities and patient groups, and medical professionals.
Applications for network membership will be assessed by WHO/Europe in accordance with WHO rules and regulations, policies and practices. The WHO/Europe Joint Tuberculosis, HIV and Viral Hepatitis Programme serves as secretariat for the RCC-THV.
The Core Group, which is elected by and among network members, oversees the work of the RCC-THV network. The Core Group includes representatives of key stakeholders in TB, HIV and viral hepatitis control and care.
Background
The positive role of coordinated and integrated approaches, people-centred models of care, and civil society involvement in the prevention of and response to TB, HIV and viral hepatitis has been highlighted in WHO/Europe’s key respective guidance documents. The recent “United Nations common position on ending HIV, TB and viral hepatitis through intersectoral collaboration”, signed in 2018 by 14 United Nations agencies after consultation with civil society organizations, further underscores the relevance of and the multi-partner commitment to a joint TB, HIV and viral hepatitis response, along with the need for further integration. This integration is to be achieved by improving collaboration across sectors, addressing social determinants and achieving high-level political commitment.
For questions or comments, please contact eurotb@who.int
* SDG target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.
