This paper describes an action framework for countries with low tuberculosis (TB) incidence (<100 TB cases per million population) that are striving for TB elimination. The framework sets out priority interventions required for these countries to progress first towards “pre-elimination” (<10 cases per million) and eventually the elimination of TB as a public health problem (less than one case per million). TB epidemiology in most low-incidence countries is characterised by a low rate of transmission in the general population, occasional outbreaks, a majority of TB cases generated from progression of latent TB infection (LTBI) rather than local transmission, concentration to certain vulnerable and hard-to-reach risk groups, and challenges posed by cross-border migration. Common health system challenges are that political commitment, funding, clinical expertise and general awareness of TB diminishes as TB incidence falls. The framework presents a tailored response to these challenges, grouped into eight priority action areas: 1) ensure political commitment, funding and stewardship for planning and essential services; 2) address the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups; 3) address special needs of migrants and cross-border issues; 4) undertake screening for active TB and LTBI in TB contacts and selected high-risk groups, and provide appropriate treatment; 5) optimise the prevention and care of drug-resistant TB; 6) ensure continued surveillance, programme monitoring and evaluation and case-based data management; 7) invest in research and new tools; and 8) support global TB prevention, care and control. The overall approach needs to be multisectorial, focusing on equitable access to high-quality diagnosis and care, and on addressing the social determinants of TB. Because of increasing globalisation and population mobility, the response needs to have both national and global dimensions.

growing political momentum to definitively address tuberculosis, could all make ending the pandemic within a generation more feasible than ever before. Moving forward with bold, comprehensive strategies Globally, the priority must be to deliver person-centred and family-centred services to all individuals with tuberculosis who present to care. This approach means ensuring that high-quality diagnostics, treatment, and prevention modalities are available to all, wherever they seek care. Improving quality of tuberculosis care in the private sector is crucial to end tuberculosis in high incidence countries such as India, the country with the highest tuberculosis burden. Modelling shows that optimising private sector engagement in India could avert 8 million deaths from tuberculosis between 2019 and 2045 (appendix p 3). In high drug-resistant tuberculosis burden countries, access to rapid drug susceptibility testing (DST) and second-line drugs is essential to success. In Moldova, where more than 25% of all tuberculosis cases are drug-resistant, improving access to DST and second-line drugs would reduce mortality from drug-resistant tuberculosis by 44% in the coming generation (appendix p 3). Secondly, tuberculosis programme budgets must increase to enable reaching these people and populations at high risk of tuberculosis. In Kenya, for example, where the proportions of HIV and tuberculosis coinfection are high, scaling up access to both antiretroviral therapy and tuberculosis preventive therapy can help save an additional 3 million lives over the next generation (appendix p 3). However, ultimately, the fight against tuberculosis will not be won unless countries also ensure that everyone, not just high-risk groups, can access essential health Key messages The Commission recommends five priority investments to achieve a tuberculosis-free world within a generation. These investments are designed to fulfil the mandate of the UN High Level Meeting on tuberculosis. In addition, they answer the question of how countries with high-burden tuberculosis and their development partners should target their future investments to ensure that ending tuberculosis is achievable. Invest first to ensure that high quality rapid diagnostics and treatment are provided to all individuals receiving care for tuberculosis, wherever they seek care This priority includes rapid drug susceptibility testing and second-line treatment for resistant forms of tuberculosis. Achieving universal, high-quality person-centred and family-centred care-including sustained improvement in the performance of private sector providers-usually should be the top policy and budget priority. Reach people and populations at high risk for tuberculosis (such as household and other close contacts of people with tuberculosis, and people with HIV) and bring them into care Active case-finding and treatment in high-risk populations demands adequate resources to reach and care for these populations. At the same time, reaching certain high-risk populations, such as people co-infec...

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The PSA immunoassay was the best semen biomarker under these sampling and testing conditions.