The Open Infectious Diseases Journal

2013, 7 : 65-71
Published online 2013 April 19. DOI: 10.2174/1874279301307010065
Publisher ID: TOIDJ-7-65

RESEARCH ARTICLE
 Epidemiological Surveys Embedded in Technical Assistance to Tuberculosis Control Programmes

Frank van Leth, *,1 and Eveline Klinkenberg1,2
1 Department of Global Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, The Netherlands
2 KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, The Netherlands

* Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Global Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Pietersbergweg 17, 1105BM Amsterdam, The Netherlands.Tel: +31 20 566 1593; E-mail: f.vanleth@aighd.org

ABSTRACT

Many National Tuberculosis Programmes (NTPs) receive Technical Assistance (TA) for the implementation and evaluation of their TB-control strategies. KNCV tuberculosis Foundation (KNCV) in the Netherlands is a TA organization providing assistance for many years in over 30 countries.

The NTPs use their own surveillance data to assess TB control strategies. These data are not accurate enough to serve as valid epidemiological parameters. KNCV adds an epidemiological research component to the general TA. Epidemiological research does give the evidence-base needed for TB control. Embedding this research in continued programme support from TA consultants has been fruitful.

This paper details KNCV's experiences with such TA plus epidemiological research approach, specially in conducting large-scale population-based surveys: tuberculin surveys, TB prevalence surveys, and drug resistance surveys. The lessons learned include the added value of long-term programme support, of a thorough knowledge of the survey's situational context, of in-country capacity building, and of guidelines for guiding, as opposed to dictating, research.

Keywords:

Tuberculosis, tuberculin, drug resistance.