This publication provides countries with practical guidelines for planning population-based surveys to estimate the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) at a national level. TB prevalence surveys yield useful information in areas where notification data obtained through routine surveillance are incomplete, or of unproven accuracy, and in areas with an estimated TB prevalence of more than 100 per 100 000. These surveys are used to evaluate the performance of the TB program, and to assess trends over time. To achieve this objective, data are collected through standards methods in a well-defined study population. This document is meant to provide information on the core survey methods, including diagnostic tests for TB, screening strategies, and case definitions. The target audience includes TB experts and advisers at national and international levels, and investigators involved in prevalence surveys.

Rev. ed. of: Assessing tuberculosis prevalence through population-based surveys. 2007.

Between 2007 and the end of 2016, 24 countries implemented a total of 25 national tuberculosis prevalence surveys using methods recommended by WHO. The 25 surveys consisted of 13 in Asia and 12 in Africa. Collectively, survey findings have informed the policies, plans and programmatic actions needed to address gaps in TB diagnosis and treatment and to reduce the burden of TB disease. Finally, the 24 countries have a robust baseline for assessing progress towards new global targets set in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (2016–2030) and WHO’s End TB Strategy (2016–2035). The methods, results, successes achieved, challenges faced and lessons learned from the 25 surveys were comprehensively documented in the book. We viewed such a product as a global public good, that should be available to all those with an interest in and commitment to using survey findings, now and in the future e.g. academics, donors, public health officers and national TB programmes. As with implementation of the 25 surveys themselves, the book is the result of a major global, regional and national collaborative and collective effort, with more than 450 contributors from all around the world.

Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death globally, particularly among children and young adults. The spread of new pathogens and the threat of antimicrobial resistance pose particular challenges in combating these diseases. Major Infectious Diseases identifies feasible, cost-effective packages of interventions and strategies across delivery platforms to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, malaria, adult febrile illness, viral hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases. The volume emphasizes the need to effectively address emerging antimicrobial resistance, strengthen health systems, and increase access to care. The attainable goals are to reduce incidence, develop innovative approaches, and optimize existing tools in resource-constrained settings.

The purpose of this document is to describe and explain how to apply the principles of good clinical practices (GCP) and good data management practices (GDMP) in the context of national tuberculosis (TB) surveys, namely national population-based surveys of TB prevalence, anti-TB drug resistance surveys, and surveys of costs faced by TB patients and their households. The primary target audience for this handbook includes national TB programmes (NTPs) and partners involved in the planning, design, conduct, oversight, analysis and reporting of a national TB survey. The in-country national survey coordination team is responsible for ensuring that all survey team members conform to this guidance document.