Guidance on conducting reviews of tuberculosis programmes: web annex C: tuberculosis epidemiological reviews and assessments of tuberculosis surveillance and vital registration systems: implementation guide and terms of reference

This implementation guide provides operational guidance for conducting tuberculosis (TB) epidemiological reviews and assessments of TB surveillance and vital registration systems within the framework of national TB programme reviews. The document describes the rationale, objectives and methodological approach for evaluating TB surveillance systems, monitoring and evaluation activities, and trends in TB burden, including incidence, prevalence and mortality. It outlines standardized terms of reference, planning requirements, team composition, data preparation, desk reviews, field activities, stakeholder interviews and reporting processes needed to support systematic country-level assessments.

The publication emphasizes the role of epidemiological reviews in strengthening routine TB surveillance, improving the quality and use of data, and informing evidence-based strategic planning. It describes approaches for assessing surveillance system performance, analysing programmatic and epidemiological indicators, identifying gaps in recording and reporting systems, and evaluating links between TB trends and health system or contextual factors. The guide also highlights the importance of multisectoral collaboration, integration with national health information systems, and dissemination of findings to national authorities, technical partners and funding agencies to support programme improvement and resource allocation.