The "“Standardized Package of Community-Based Support Services to improve TB outcomes” developed in partnership with the TB Europe Coalition (TBEC), the PAS Center, and the WHO Regional Office for Europe as part of the regional TB-REP 2.0 project, is now available on the official WHO resources at https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289060004 .
This document, intended for affected communities, civil society organizations, national TB programs, and policymakers in the EECA region, recommends involving affected communities and civil society representatives in the delivery of services at all stages of TB care. It provides a set of practical tools for implementing non-medical community-based service standards and calculating their costs. The services described in this guide complement and support the medical services provided by healthcare providers, shifting the focus from medical aspects to the needs of communities and people affected by TB within those communities.
Thanks to joint advocacy efforts of regional and national partners, the adapted Standardized Package of Community-Based Support Services has already been adopted at the legislative level in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Ukraine.
To help civil society representatives and affected communities gain a better understanding of each of the services described in the document and learn how to estimate their costs, TBEC, with the support of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, is developing a special online course. By the end of the year, the course will be accessible for free completion, and participants will receive a corresponding certificate upon completion.
