Current Issues in Tuberculosis Control

Effective TB control requires a properly functioning health service, with good management, diagnostic facilities, trained staff and reliable drug supply – especially at the periphery. Examples from many countries have shown that community-based approaches to DOTS can achieve high cure rates. And private practitioners – many of whom treat many patients and are still using pre-DOTS strategies - must be involved if TB is to be controlled. Strengthening health services, establishing partnerships between public health services, the community and private practitioners, and ensuring that everyone with TB has access to effective treatment and care, are therefore important challenges. [author’s description]


This issue contains an overview of issues in TB control; putting DOTS into practice; community care; and community health workers’ role in DOTS.