The World Health Organization (WHO) has released an operational handbook aimed at improving care for individuals affected by both tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes. This latest edition provides comprehensive, people-centered guidance for healthcare professionals, offering practical strategies to implement WHO recommendations. It covers key aspects such as screening, prevention, diagnosis, and co-management of both conditions.
The initiative seeks to enhance access to timely diagnoses, optimize patient care, and improve overall health outcomes. By addressing TB and diabetes together, the handbook aims to strengthen integrated healthcare services and enhance the quality of life for those living with both diseases. This guidance is part of the third edition of WHO’s Operational Handbook on Tuberculosis and Comorbidities.
Urgent Need for Integrated Care
“People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing TB and experiencing severe treatment complications,” said Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Programme. “Ensuring universal access to screening, prevention, and treatment for both conditions is critical. The 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on TB reaffirmed global commitments to making these services widely available and addressing key TB risk factors, such as diabetes. This handbook serves as a vital resource to support national and regional efforts in delivering high-quality, integrated care.”
According to WHO’s 2024 Global TB Report, diabetes is a major risk factor for TB, contributing to approximately 400,000 TB cases worldwide. The rising prevalence of diabetes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where TB is already widespread, further underscores the need for urgent action. Individuals with diabetes are more vulnerable to TB and face worse treatment outcomes, including a higher risk of mortality.
Strengthening Global Health Systems
The new handbook builds upon WHO’s Framework for Collaborative Action on TB and Comorbidities, released in 2022. It serves as a crucial resource for health programs, policymakers, and stakeholders working to improve the prevention and management of TB-diabetes comorbidity.
“Ensuring equitable access to care for people with diabetes is essential, particularly given their heightened risk of TB,” said Dr. Guy Fones, Acting Director of WHO’s Department for Noncommunicable Diseases, Rehabilitation, and Disability. “Member States have set ambitious global targets for diabetes care by 2030, focusing on early diagnosis and improved glycemic control. Closer collaboration between TB and diabetes services will not only help reduce the burden of both diseases but also contribute to strengthening primary healthcare systems and achieving universal health coverage.”
WHO urges healthcare programs, governments, and partners to adopt an integrated approach to tackling TB and diabetes. By expanding universal access to care and strengthening collaboration, global health systems can work more effectively to reduce the impact of these two interconnected diseases.
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