Prevention and control of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis
A series of actions to combat drug-resistant tuberculosis has been approved by the World Health Assembly through a resolution targeted at prevention and control of M/XDR-TB.
Delegates endorsed strict quality standards for the provision of anti-TB drugs and efforts to limit their misuse. They also agreed to strengthen measures to make access universal to M/XDR-TB diagnosis and quality treatment. Research for new TB diagnostics, medicines and vaccines is prioritized under the resolution through support for extra financing. At the same time, WHO will also work with Member States to develop national TB response plans that will prevent more people from getting drug-resistant tuberculosis, and diagnose and treat those that do. More lives should be saved from drug-resistant tuberculosis through this resolution.
The resolution was put forward to the Assembly by China and based on the outcomes from the Ministerial Meeting of High M/XDR-TB Burden Countries, held in Beijing in April 2009, and its Call For Action.