Global Tuberculosis Programme
The WHO Global Tuberculosis Programme works towards the goal of a world free of TB, with zero deaths, disease and suffering due to the disease. The team’s mission is to lead and guide the global effort to end the TB epidemic through universal access to people-centred prevention and care, multisectoral action and innovation.
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Tuberculosis and COVID-19

Dual burden of TB and COVID-19

Tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 are both infectious diseases that attack primarily the lungs. Both diseases have similar symptoms such as cough, fever and difficulty breathing. TB, however, has a longer incubation period with a slower onset of disease.

While experience on COVID-19 infection in TB patients remains limited, it is anticipated that people ill with both TB and COVID-19 may have poorer treatment outcomes, especially if TB treatment is interrupted. TB patients should take precautions as advised by health authorities to be protected from COVID-19 and continue their TB treatment as prescribed.

Continuity of essential TB services during COVID-19 pandemic

Health services, including national programmes to combat TB, need to be actively engaged in ensuring an effective and rapid response to COVID-19 while ensuring that TB services are maintained. WHO Global TB Programme, along with WHO regional and country offices, has developed an information note to assist health authorities in doing so.

Prevention: Measures must be put in place to limit transmission of TB and COVID-19 in congregate settings and health care facilities, as per WHO guidelines.

Diagnosis: Accurate diagnostic tests are essential for both TB and COVID-19. TB laboratory networks have been established in countries with the support of WHO and international partners. These networks as well as specimen transportation mechanisms could also be used for COVID 19 diagnosis and surveillance.

Treatment and care: TB programme staff with their experience and capacity, including in active case finding and contact tracing, are well placed to share knowledge, expertise, and to provide technical and logistical support. Use of digital health technologies should be intensified to support patients and programmes through improved communication, counselling, care, and information management, among other benefits.

Human resources: Respiratory physicians, pulmonology staff of all grades, TB specialists and health workers at the primary health care level may be points of reference for patients with pulmonary complications of COVID-19.