Tuberculosis

About RTB

Core functions of the Regional TB Programme (RTB) of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region

The core functions of RTB are:

  • to provide regional leadership in ending TB through regional and national strategic planning and development, political and multisectoral engagement, strengthening of review and accountability processes, and building partnerships;
  • to contribute to the setting of policies and norms for TB prevention, care and control both in the Region and globally;
  • to promote and facilitate the implementation of globally set norms and standards on TB prevention and care;
  • to provide technical support to countries to ensure proper implementation of the different components of the End TB Strategy;
  • to provide specialized technical support to countries jointly with WHO headquarters and country offices to catalyze change and build sustainable capacity, in collaboration with partners;
  • to monitor and evaluate implementation of the End TB Strategy; and
  • to scale up partnerships at country and regional levels to ensure the effective utilization of scarce resources.

RTB strategic priorities

RTB focuses on the following strategic priorities:

  • supporting the national adaptation and implementation of country-context specific national strategic plans, TB programme and epidemiological reviews, and national guidelines for TB diagnosis and treatment;
  • promoting evidence-based policies, strategies and standards for TB prevention, care and control, and monitoring their implementation;
  • monitoring the regional TB situation and measuring progress in TB prevention, care and control, and financing;
  • contributing towards shaping the TB research agenda and promoting the generation, translation and dissemination of valuable knowledge;
  • facilitating and engaging in partnerships for action against TB; and
  • mobilizing resources and fundraising.