Operational handbook on tuberculosis: module 6: tuberculosis and comorbidities

This third edition of the WHO operational handbook on tuberculosis, Module 6: tuberculosis and comorbidities, provides practical guidance to support implementation of WHO recommendations on integrated, people-centred care for tuberculosis (TB) and key comorbidities. The publication complements the WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis and aligns with the WHO Framework for collaborative action on tuberculosis and comorbidities. It addresses the growing importance of comorbidities and health-related risk factors in TB prevention, treatment and care, recognizing their impact on treatment outcomes, quality of life and broader social and economic well-being.

The handbook focuses on mental health conditions and substance use disorders, HIV and diabetes, and outlines approaches for assessment, prevention, treatment and service integration within TB programmes and primary health care. It describes operational considerations for screening, referral, collaborative care models, psychosocial support, stigma reduction and management of multimorbidity, including TB-associated disabilities. The guidance is intended for ministries of health, national TB programmes, health-care workers, policy-makers and partner organizations involved in the delivery of integrated TB services and broader health system strengthening.