Factors influencing diagnosis and treatment initiation for multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in six sub-Saharan African countries: a mixed-methods systematic review.

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis burdens fragile health systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), complicated by high prevalence of HIV. Several African countries reported large gaps between estimated incidence and diagnosed or treated cases. Our review aimed to identify barriers and facilitators influencing diagnosis and treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in SSA, which is necessary to develop effective strategies to find the missing incident cases and improve quality of care.

User experience and patient satisfaction with tuberculosis care in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review.

Background: Patient-centered care is at the forefront of the End TB strategy, yet little is known about user (patient's) experience and patient satisfaction with TB services. Our study aims to systematically review quantitative studies evaluating user experience and TB patient satisfaction within the health care system.

Methods: Five medical databases were systematically searched between January 1st, 2009 and December 31st, 2018.

Improving access to essential tests for infectious diseases.

Recently, WHO published the first ever Essential Diagnostics List (EDL), which includes 113 tests, including tests for HIV, TB, malaria, hepatitis B and C, human papillomavirus (HPV) and syphilis. The EDL is a welcome first step in ensuring that diagnostics are a key part of all health systems. The impact of the list, however, will depend greatly on how countries adopt and implement the EDL.