National TB control programme managers and partners

Countries in the WHO South-East Asia (SEA) Region have made significant progress towards the Millennium Development Goals relating to tuberculosis (TB). The estimated incidence of all forms of TB, estimated prevalence of all forms of TB and estimated TB mortality all continue to show a downward trend. The treatment success rate among new smear-positive pulmonary TB cases has remained above 85% since 2005, and was 89% in 2010. But although there has been progress, TB control remains a huge challenge in the SEA Region. Approximately 40% of the estimated global number of cases 8.8 million occurs in the Region (based on current estimates) as well as more than a quarter of cases of multi-drug-resistant TB. The national TB and AIDS control programmes in seven countries are jointly extending a comprehensive package of interventions for those affected by both HIV and TB. The long-term goal is to eliminate TB as a public health problem. Given the nature of the TB epidemic, increased and sustained commitment will be needed, from all stakeholders, including national governments and national and international partners. Our continued collaboration is critical to deliver much-needed services more effectively and efficiently, to reach all population groups and to overcome the physical, social and financial barriers that prevent people from accessing care