Recife, capital of Pernambuco, ranks as the eighth Brazilian city with the highest number of HIV cases (2013–2023) and the 13th in 2023 notifications, according to the Ministry of Health. Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the main comorbidities associated with HIV, especially in contexts of poor ART adherence. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of TB–HIV coinfection in Recife, identifying demographic trends and treatment challenges with attention to urban characteristics. Descriptive ecological study using secondary SINAN/DATASUS data (2013–2023). A total of 5,454 confirmed TB–HIV cases were analyzed according to sex, race/color, ART use, and temporal distribution. Data were tabulated and interpreted in light of local sociodemographic context. Between 2013 and 2023, Recife reported 5,454 TB–HIV cases, predominantly male (69.0%; 3,765 men) and mixed-race (57.2%; 3,117 cases). The highest number occurred in 2023 (607) and the lowest in 2020 (420). ART adherence was identified in 28.8% (1,568 cases); 19.8% (1,081) were not on ART; and 51.4% (2,805) had missing/blank data. The historical series peaked in 2023, possibly reflecting underreporting during the pandemic. In 2023, 88.2% of cases were among adults aged 20–59 years. Recife faces challenges in managing TB–HIV coinfection, such as the high proportion of missing data on ART use and disparities in cases by race/color (Black and mixed-race individuals account for 70.5% of cases), indicating reduced access to STI prevention information and primarily affecting the economically active population. The city’s position among the capitals with the highest HIV burden underscores the urgency of improving ART adherence, particularly in peripheral areas, as well as expanding the availability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent future infections, examples include the Combine! project and prophylaxis initiatives in subway stations and other high-traffic areas.
Dantas et al. (Sun,) studied this question.