The Union offers technical assistance in tuberculosis control, treatment and prevention with emphasis on serving high-burden low- and middle-income countries. Union assistance is provided at the request of governments, partnering organisations or agencies.

Three different levels of assistance are offered to support national/local autonomy in defining and reaching goals within the framework of the internationally endorsed Stop TB strategy:

Intensive technical assistance

Intensive technical assistance usually consists of long-term, regular (minimum twice a year) contact. It is offered to support such goals as:

• Increasing case detection
• Improving rates of successful treatment
• Developing human resources
• Following international guidelines
• Implementing global strategies
• Field visits

Short-term technical assistance

This assistance is limited to short-term specific interventions, such as:

• Field visits and other site visits
• Short-term assistance to national tuberculosis programmes (NTPs)
• Training programmes
• Laboratory system assessments
• Drug and materials procurement
• Ensuring logistics and deliveries

Related assistance

Union consultants also provide technical assistance through their participation in advisory committees, working groups and operational research. For example, they serve as members of the Global TB Drug Facility, Green Light Committee, WHO EMRO Technical Advisory Committee, WHO AMRO Technical Advisory Committee and the KNCV International Advisory Board. Union consultants also participate in national programme reviews in various capacities.

The DOTS strategy's 5 components are:

• Sustained government commitment to increase human and financial resources
• Case detection by sputum smear microscopy
• Standardised treatment regimens with proper case management and Directly Observed Treatment (DOT), when needed
• Regular uninterrupted supplies of essential TB drugs
• Standardised recording and reporting

The Stop TB strategy, based on the DOTS strategy, also aims to:

• Address TB/HIV, MDR-TB and other challenges
• Contribute to health system strengthening
• Engage all care providers
• Empower people with tuberculosis and communities
• Enable and promote research