Consolidated guidance on tuberculosis data generation and use: module 3: national tuberculosis prevalence surveys

This WHO guidance provides comprehensive recommendations for the design, implementation, analysis and use of national tuberculosis (TB) prevalence surveys. Developed as Module 3 of the consolidated guidance on tuberculosis data generation and use, the publication addresses the role of prevalence surveys in measuring the burden of TB disease in settings where routine surveillance and vital registration systems are insufficient to provide reliable estimates. It explains the epidemiological rationale for conducting surveys, outlines criteria for countries considering implementation, and reviews lessons learned from surveys conducted globally between 2007 and 2023.

The document presents detailed technical guidance covering all stages of survey planning and execution, including protocol development, sampling design, screening and diagnostic algorithms, chest radiography, laboratory investigations, ethical considerations, field operations, data management and statistical analysis. It also addresses survey monitoring, budgeting, reporting, dissemination and use of findings for strengthening national TB programmes. The guidance incorporates recent technological developments, including molecular diagnostics, digital radiography, computer-aided detection and electronic data systems, while emphasizing quality assurance, operational feasibility and integration of survey results into public health decision-making.