Regional workshop on infection control to prevent TB transmission in health facilities

Abstract

TB infection control is a combination of measures aimed at minimizing the risk of TB transmission. The foundation of infection control is early and rapid diagnosis, and proper management of TB patients. The regional workshop on infection control to prevent TB transmission in health facilities was organized in Kathmandu, Nepal from 14 - 18 September 2009. The specific objectives were to review current technical guidelines and share experiences on best practices to prevent nosocomial transmission of TB, identify appropriate interventions for infection control at different levels of health facilities and plan for the integration of components of infection control within national TB control plans. At the end of the workshop it was concluded that due to the increasing importance of specific measures for respiratory infection prevention and control, it is necessary to have a reappraisal of infection control policies and implementation plans in health-care and congregate settings. Several recommendations for action in countries and for WHO were made in this regard.