Brief guide on tuberculosis control for primary health care providers: for countries in the WHO European Region with a high and intermediate burden of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious problem in the WHO European region, particularly in the countries of eastern Europe, the Baltic States, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).Primary health care providers can play an important role in tuberculosis control through early detection of the disease, referral for treatment, and involvement in directly observed treatment. This guide has been written with the aim of developing the knowledge, awareness and skills of primary health care providers regarding tuberculosis and its prevention and control. The guide is not intended as a complete source of information on tuberculosis, but rather a summary of general principles regarding prevention, detection and treatment. The guide does not reflect specific national guidelines on TB control, and is intended to be used in conjunction with the appropriate national regulations. A reference card containing key information is included with this guide.