In 2010, the Stop TB Partnership, the World Health Organization Stop TB Department and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria jointly organized an expert meeting and workshop on operational research, followed by international consultations. The goal was to identify priority areas in which knowledge gaps hamper optimal implementation of TB control activities. The outcome of these activities formed the basis of this publication. This book is very timely for building the evidence base for effective implementation of TB programs. It provides a clear road map of priorities in operational research to help countries improve implementation of TB control activities in critical areas.The priority operational research questions outlined in this report are also aligned with the Stop TB Partnership's Global Plan to Stop TB 2011-2015.

Based on careful analysis of burden of disease and the costs ofinterventions, this second edition of 'Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries, 2nd edition' highlights achievable priorities; measures progresstoward providing efficient, equitable care; promotes cost-effectiveinterventions to targeted populations; and encourages integrated effortsto optimize health. Nearly 500 experts - scientists, epidemiologists, health economists,academicians, and public health practitioners - from around the worldcontributed to the data sources and methodologies, and identifiedchallenges and priorities, resulting in this integrated, comprehensivereference volume on the state of health in developing countries.

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 World Health Report: research for universal health coverage" focuses on the importance of research in advancing progress towards universal health coverage. In addition, it identifies the benefits of increased investment in health research by low- and middle-income countries using case studies from around the world, and proposes ways to further strengthen this type of research.

Tuberculosis emerged as an epidemic in the 1600s, began to decline as sanitation improved in the 19th century, and retreated further when effective therapy was developed in the 1950s. TB was virtually forgotten until a recent resurgence in the U.S. and around the worldâ€"ominously, in forms resistant to commonly used medicines. What must the nation do to eliminate TB? The distinguished committee from the Institute of Medicine offers recommendations in the key areas of epidemiology and prevention, diagnosis and treatment, funding and organization of public initiatives, and the U.S. role worldwide. The panel also focuses on how to mobilize policy makers and the public to effective action. The book provides important background on the pathology of tuberculosis, its history and status in the U.S., and the public and private response. The committee explains how the U.S. can act with both self-interest and humanitarianism in addressing the worldwide incidence of TB.

Over the past two decades, there has been a considerable increase in the number of tools to generate, analyse and use data and evidence, to support discussion and decision-making by national TB programmes (NTPs). Increasingly, countries are developing more robust national surveillance systems; implementing multiple health surveys; and using data analysis and visualization tools in policy, planning, programming and investment decisions. However, as more data are generated and data analysis tools evolve and increase in number, it can be challenging to understand how, why and when these tools should be implemented. The document summarizes information about the key tools related to data and evidence that are available for use in tuberculosis (TB) planning and programming, and how they can be applied. The tools that are profiled are described in terms of how they fit within the People-centred framework for TB programme planning and prioritization. It can also be used independently to inform decisions taken by NTPs about the implementation of the tools included in this document. Together with the people-centred framework, this compendium aims to enable better use of data and evidence for TB programme planning at both the national and subnational levels. It is designed to help NTPs and their national stakeholders to understand how and when different data and evidence-related tools could be used.