Development of a standardised multidrug-resistant/extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis assessment and monitoring tool

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB) threaten global TB control. The MDR/XDR-TB Assessment and Monitoring Tool was developed to standardise evaluations of country capacity to prevent, diagnose and treat MDR/XDR-TB and identify program gaps. It provides data to guide national plans, generates baseline data to measure progress, provides information for Green Light Committee (GLC) and Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria applications, guides technical assistance and informs donor investment. In field testing, the tool scoring system performed equally well in high- and low-prevalence settings. This GLC-endorsed tool supports global efforts to contain MDR/XDR-TB and is useful in developing national MDR/XDR-TB control strategies.