TUBERCULOSIS
Confronting the TB Emergency by Strengthening the Management of TB and HIV Programs

Claiming a life every 15 seconds, tuberculosis is universally recognized as a global epidemic of emergency proportions. Augmented by the HIV/AIDS crisis, the number of new TB cases has quadrupled in 18 African countries in the past 15 years, killing over a half-million Africans yearly. The tragedy of tuberculosis is that although the disease is curable with low-cost medicines, poverty, gender discrimination, and armed conflict, prevent many people from access to diagnosis and treatment. The dual TB/HIV epidemic is overwhelming health systems and eroding hard-won public health achievements in TB, especially in Africa.

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared TB a global emergency in 1993, increased political, technical, and financial support has improved national TB control programs. However, while most countries have adopted the DOTS strategy to fight the disease, few countries have achieved the global targets: to detect 70% of active infectious cases and cure 85% of those cases.

To meet these targets, more attention must be given to strengthening the management structures and systems of TB programs, particularly in countries affected by the dual TB/HIV epidemic. MSH is contributing to these worldwide efforts. At the international level we provide technical input to global initiatives, including the Stop TB working groups. At the country level, MSH works with public- and private-sector partners and engages communities in improving the management systems and leadership skills that are essential to effective TB control.

To increase political support for expanded DOTS programs and build human and institutional capacity to diagnose and treat TB, MSH is committed to:

• Enhancing the Quality of Health Systems and Services
• Promoting Collaboration between TB and HIV/AIDS Programs
• Strengthening Laboratory Systems, Services, and Networks
• Managing Medicines and Supplies