WHO operational handbook on tuberculosis: module 1: prevention: tuberculosis preventive treatment: web annex B: conflict of interest assessment for experts contributing to the handbook content

This web annex to the second edition of the WHO operational handbook on tuberculosis, Module 1: Prevention – tuberculosis preventive treatment, documents the assessment and management of declarations of interest for experts contributing to the handbook content. The publication describes the procedures used by WHO to review potential financial and non-financial conflicts of interest in accordance with the WHO handbook for guideline development and WHO policies governing declarations of interests for experts involved in normative work.

The annex summarizes declared interests from contributors involved in the development and review of the handbook, including research funding, advisory roles, institutional support and participation in tuberculosis-related clinical trials and technical advisory groups. It outlines WHO’s evaluation of actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, including considerations related to intellectual bias, involvement in relevant research and financial interests. The document also presents the management decisions applied to each declaration, including determinations of no conflict of interest or limitations on participation in discussions related to declared interests. The annex contributes to transparency in the development of WHO tuberculosis prevention guidance and operational recommendations.