A WHO / the Union monograph on TB and tobacco control : joining efforts to control two related global epidemics

Overview

Associations between tobacco use and tuberculosis (TB) outcomes have long been suspected but until recently the predominant view was that existing studies were not adequate to provide confirmation of any link. However, more recent studies and some recent reviews of existing studies have seemed to provide a better-evidenced link between active and passive tobacco smoking and a range of TB outcomes including infection, response to treatment, relapse rates and mortality.

A successful trialling of tobacco cessation treatments in conjunction with TB and respiratory health programmes will provide a basis for extending them to other health programmes where tobacco use contributes to or exacerbates the disease or condition under treatment. If identification and treatment of tobacco addiction becomes routine in programmes dealing with Maternal Health, Cardiovascular Diseases, Cancer and Diabetes it will be a significant step to such assistance being provided for any person attending a health unit for curative or preventive care.