Essential components of a tuberculosis control program within Australia

Abstract

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this item are those of the individual authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Communicable Diseases Intelligence journal or the Australian Centre for Disease Control. While this Policy and Guidelines item was drafted with consideration to the then-available information on the condition(s) addressed within, it may not be complete and may not represent the currently understood best practice for the referenced condition(s). Readers are advised to refer to the most recent guidance on this matter, where such guidance exists and where its authoritativeness can be established. These guidelines do not replace the need for clinical judgment to be exercised for each individual circumstance, nor the necessity for expert advice to be obtained as appropriate.   

In Australia, tuberculosis (TB) control is managed, operationally, through state and territory-based programs rather than a single national program as seen in most other countries. The jurisdictional boundaries of these programs are well defined, and communication and cooperation between the programs is effective. The TB control programs in each jurisdiction are quite different and operate as a consequence of the history of their development as well as social, political and demographic circumstances. However, each jurisdiction and the National TB Advisory Committee (NTAC) agree on key components of a TB program. While it is appropriate for the structure and operation of each program to be adapted to best suit the specific local circumstances, these components, and the outcomes that are associated with each, are essential for effective TB control.