WHO operational handbook on tuberculosis: module 1: prevention: infection prevention and control

This operational handbook provides practical guidance for implementing World Health Organization recommendations on tuberculosis (TB) infection prevention and control (IPC) in health care facilities, congregate settings and other environments with a high risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission. The document supports implementation of the WHO End TB Strategy by promoting integrated, multisectoral approaches to reduce TB transmission, particularly among vulnerable populations such as people living with HIV, health care workers, children and individuals in congregate settings. It outlines the public health rationale for TB IPC and situates TB-specific interventions within broader national IPC programmes and health system frameworks.

The handbook describes the three-level hierarchy of TB IPC measures: administrative controls, environmental controls and respiratory protection. It presents operational guidance on triage, respiratory separation, prompt initiation of effective treatment, ventilation systems, upper-room germicidal ultraviolet systems and the use of particulate respirators within respiratory protection programmes. The publication also addresses planning, monitoring and evaluation, risk assessment, staff training, patient education and implementation at national and facility levels. Annexes provide practical tools, templates and examples to support programme implementation, monitoring and quality improvement activities.