WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis: module 4: treatment and care

This guideline provides updated, evidence-based recommendations for the treatment and care of people with tuberculosis, covering both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant forms of the disease. It forms part of a consolidated series that integrates current WHO guidance into a coherent framework to support national tuberculosis programmes and health systems in improving treatment outcomes. The document responds to ongoing challenges in tuberculosis management, including treatment complexity, drug resistance and the need for patient-centred approaches across diverse settings.

Developed using WHO guideline standards and the GRADE methodology, the publication reviews available evidence to inform recommendations on treatment regimens, including standard six-month regimens and shorter alternatives for drug-susceptible tuberculosis, as well as regimens of varying duration for drug-resistant tuberculosis. It also addresses key aspects of care and support, such as treatment adherence, models of care, co-management with HIV, and monitoring of treatment response and adverse events. Intended for policy-makers, programme managers and health-care providers, the guideline supports the implementation of effective, context-appropriate strategies and highlights the importance of integrated care and ongoing evaluation to strengthen tuberculosis control efforts.