Tuberculosis Control in New Zealand

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Communicable Diseases in New Zealand > Tuberculosis Control

Tuberculosis Control in New Zealand
www.moh.govt.nz/cd/tbcontrol

Tuberculosis control in the 21st century faces many challenges at the global, regional and national level. The problems of poverty, adherence to treatment and stigma still prevail, while increasing drug resistance and HIV co-infection demand new approaches.

Tuberculosis continues to occur in New Zealand. On average 350-400 cases occur each year. In New Zealand, in 2004, there were 372 persons notified with tuberculosis (new cases and reactivations).

Resources

Review of Neonatal BCG Immunisation Services in New Zealand (Dec 07)
This review evaluates the neonatal BCG immunisation service in New Zealand.

Guidelines for Tuberculosis Control in New Zealand 2003
There have been many important changes in the epidemiology, management and control of tuberculosis in New Zealand since the publication of Guidelines for Tuberculosis Control in New Zealand 1996. To reflect these changes, the Ministry of Health has updated those guidelines to reflect best practice in the many aspects of tuberculosis control in New Zealand.

Members of the Ministry of Health’s Tuberculosis Working Group, and other New Zealand experts, have researched and produced sections for the new Guidelines.

The 19 sections of the guidelines provide detailed and comprehensive advice on all aspects of managing tuberculosis disease and latent infection.

Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) for Tuberculosis (February 2001)
Detection and cure remains the cornerstone of TB control. Directly observed therapy (DOT)ensures adherence. The Tuberculosis Working Group of the Ministry of Health strongly supports the use of DOT and urges all Medical Officers of Health to work with local medical practitioners to ensure that DOT is offered to all patients who are likely to benefit from it.

Tuberculosis Surveillance (ESR website)

Related information

Media release March 2004 - Tuberculosis still a real health threat

WHO tuberculosis information

Page last updated 12 July 2005