The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for real-world examples of how countries are successfully integrating services to address HIV, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This initiative, announced this week, seeks case studies demonstrating practical approaches to coordinated care, aiming to improve access, efficiency, and patient outcomes. The call for submissions underscores a growing recognition that siloed approaches to these interconnected health challenges are often insufficient, and that a more holistic, patient-centered model is needed.
For decades, global health efforts have largely tackled HIV, TB, hepatitis, and STIs as distinct entities. Although, individuals often experience co-infections – for example, someone living with HIV may also have TB or hepatitis C – and face overlapping risk factors. Integrated service delivery, as envisioned by the WHO, means offering multiple services within a single point of care, streamlining treatment and reducing the burden on both patients and healthcare systems. This approach aligns with the principles of primary health care, focusing on comprehensive, accessible, and continuous care.
Despite the clear benefits, implementing integrated services isn’t without its hurdles. Existing healthcare infrastructure often operates in fragmented ways, with separate funding streams, reporting requirements, and workflows for each disease. Workforce shortages, limited access to diagnostics, and a lack of interoperable digital tools further complicate matters. The WHO acknowledges these challenges and hopes that by collecting and analyzing successful case studies, it can develop practical guidance to help countries overcome these obstacles. The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2026.
What the WHO is Looking For in Integrated Service Delivery Models
The WHO isn’t seeking theoretical proposals, but rather documented examples of integrated service delivery already in practice. Case studies should detail how services are organized, delivered, and coordinated at the facility, community, or outreach level. Submissions should focus on models that have been implemented or are currently being piloted, not those still in the planning stages. The emphasis is on service delivery at the point of care, rather than broad policy changes.
The WHO is particularly interested in examples that demonstrate integration across multiple diseases – for instance, a clinic offering HIV testing, TB screening, and hepatitis C treatment in a single visit. Integration with other essential health services, such as sexual and reproductive health, non-communicable disease management, mental health support, and harm reduction programs, is also highly valued. The WHO encourages submissions that highlight how health services are linked with non-health sectors, addressing the social, legal, and economic factors that impact health outcomes. These factors, often referred to as social determinants of health, can significantly influence a person’s ability to access and adhere to treatment.
Key Areas for Case Study Submissions
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of each model, the WHO has outlined specific areas that case studies should address. These include a clear description of the epidemiological and programmatic context – the disease burden, co-infection rates, and the maturity of existing programs in the setting. Submissions should also detail the specific services being offered, the target populations served (including vulnerable groups like adolescents and key populations), and at what points along the continuum of care integration occurs – from prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
The WHO is also interested in understanding the practical aspects of service delivery. This includes the location of services (primary care facilities, community centers, outreach programs, or digital platforms), the enablers and barriers to integration (such as staffing levels, diagnostic availability, and physical space), and how care is organized and delivered. Specifically, the WHO wants to know whether services are provided during a single patient visit or require multiple encounters, and how referrals, follow-up, and continuity of care are managed. The roles of different healthcare providers – doctors, nurses, community health workers, and peer educators – and the use of task-sharing or team-based approaches are also important considerations.
Lessons Learned and Implementation Experiences
Perhaps most importantly, the WHO is seeking honest assessments of what has worked well, what challenges have been encountered, and what adaptations have been necessary to produce integration feasible. Submissions should detail the factors that enabled successful implementation, such as supportive policies, strong leadership, adequate financing, and community engagement. They should also address any unintended consequences or trade-offs that arose during implementation, and highlight any positive outcomes that have been observed. Sharing these lessons learned will be crucial for informing the development of effective guidance and scaling up successful models.
The WHO’s initiative comes at a critical time. Globally, millions are still affected by HIV, TB, hepatitis, and STIs. According to the WHO, an estimated 1.3 million people died from TB in 2022 , while 39 million people were living with HIV in 2022 . Integrated service delivery offers a promising pathway to address these interconnected health challenges more effectively and efficiently, ultimately improving the lives of those affected.
Submissions will be accepted in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Detailed submission instructions and contact information for questions can be found on the WHO website. The resulting guidance, informed by these case studies, will be a valuable resource for countries striving to strengthen their health systems and improve the health of their populations.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
The WHO’s call for case studies represents a significant step towards a more integrated and effective approach to combating these global health challenges. The deadline of May 1, 2026, provides ample time for countries to document and share their experiences, contributing to a collective effort to improve health outcomes worldwide. We encourage readers to share this information with colleagues and partners working in global health and public health.
