ABSTRACT
The proposed elimination of tuberculosis (TB) as a public health problem is complex enterprise for WHO; it is at the same time a political, economic and social challenge, a scientific challenge and a management challenge. It launched a first 'Global Plan to Stop TB 2001-2005', followed by the second 'Global Plan to Stop TB 2006-2015'. The DOTS strategy is at the heart of the Stop TB strategy. The resulting Declaration of Cape Town provided a road map for TB drug development, outlining the need for the creation of the TB Alliance. The chapter presents the results of a survey of 24 countries' national TB policies. It is not a comprehensive or authoritative assessment of countries' national TB policies, but it provides an indication of the level of preparedness to implement and scale up action. Today, treatment for drug-resistant TB can take up to two years, and is so complex, expensive and toxic that many patients are unable to access treatment.
