Tuberculosis services in partnership: the case of Egypt

Tuberculosis is still one of the major public health problems in the world. Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have been working hard for several years to promote directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) and reach the regional target of DOTS ALL OVER. National tuberculosis programmes in most countries in the Region have a national committee for tuberculosis control composed of the main tuberculosis care providers in addition to other organizations such as nongovernmental organizations dealing with social affairs and advocacy. DOTS expansion has taken place mainly within Ministry of Health facilities to establish the backbone for tuberculosis control in the country. However, a considerable number of patients seek health services outside Ministry of Health facilities. Egypt is one of the forerunners in developing a comprehensive approach to tuberculosis control. This publication provides a systematic summary of these efforts. This experience, combined with others in the Region, will contribute to the formulation of a regional framework to develop a comprehensive approach to DOTS