RetourThe WHO operational handbook on tuberculosis, Module 4: treatment and care provides practical guidance on implementing recommendations to achieve national and global impact in tuberculosis (TB) management. It consolidates three key components of the WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis treatment: drug-susceptible TB (DS-TB) treatment, drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) treatment, and tuberculosis care and support. This consolidated operational handbook complements the WHO consolidated guidelines on TB treatment, assisting Member States, technical partners and other stakeholders who are involved in the programmatic management, adoption and uptake of WHO policies.
Chapter 1. Drug-susceptible TB treatment
This chapter outlines standardized approaches to managing DS-TB, including the widely used 6-month regimen and the recently introduced 4-month regimens.
Evidence-based regimens and approaches are presented to facilitate the implementation of current and new policies across various populations aiming to achieve high cure rates, preventing treatment failure, and reduce the risk of drug resistance. Additionally, it offers normative guidance on monitoring treatment response and defining outcomes.
Chapter 2. Drug-resistant TB treatment
The chapter unpacks the complexities around the treatment of DR-TB and provides comprehensive guidance to facilitate the management of all forms of drug-resistant TB, from rifampicin-resistant (RR-TB) and rifampicin-susceptible but isoniazid-resistant TB to multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and more advanced drug resistance. The chapter also offers guidance on adjuncts to TB treatment and some unique aspects of programmatic management.
Chapter 3. Tuberculosis care and support
A holistic, patient-centred approach is central to this guidance, with a focus on addressing the psychosocial and nutritional needs of individuals undergoing treatment. Recommendations include managing adverse events to enhance adherence and outcomes, while promoting equitable access to care through community-based and integrated health systems.
Annexes
Annexes provide practical resources and technical details, such as information sheets for TB medicines, protocols for managing adverse events, and weight-based dosing guidelines for all age groups.
Overall, this consolidated handbook underscores a multidisciplinary approach to combating TB, balancing robust clinical strategies with patient-centred care to improve treatment outcomes and thus reduce the global TB burden.