WHO operational handbook on tuberculosis: module 6: tuberculosis and comorbidities: mental health conditions

Overview

Note: The 3rd edition of the handbook on tuberculosis: module 6: tuberculosis and comorbidities was published on 24 January 2025 and is available here.

Addressing comorbidities and risk factors for tuberculosis (TB) is a crucial component of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s End TB Strategy. This WHO Operational Handbook on Tuberculosis, Module 6: Tuberculosis and Comorbidities aims to support countries in scaling up people-centred care, based on the latest WHO recommendations on TB and key comorbidities, and drawing upon additional evidence, best practices and inputs from various experts and stakeholders obtained during WHO processes. It is intended for use by people working in ministries of health, particularly TB programmes and the relevant departments or programmes responsible for comorbidities and health-related risk factors for TB such as HIV, diabetes, undernutrition, substance use, and tobacco use, as well as programmes addressing mental health and lung health.

This operational handbook is a living document and will include a separate chapter for each of the key TB comorbidities or health-related risk factors. The first section focuses on mental health conditions which are widely recognized as a major health issue among people affected by TB, negatively impacting on TB treatment outcomes, health-related quality of life, and also increasingly recognized as a major cause of TB-associated disability. This section aims to facilitate early detection, proper assessment and adequate referral of people affected by TB and mental disorders. Full implementation of this guidance is expected to have a significant impact on TB treatment outcomes and health-related quality of life for people affected by TB.