Activating a Human Rights-Based Tuberculosis Response: A Technical Brief for Policymakers and Program Implementers

A human rights-based TB response supports and enhances public health measures and good clinical practice. The approach is founded on the dignity and autonomy of people affected by TB and the critical role they must play in all aspects of the disease response. A rights-based approach places special focus on TB key and vulnerable populations, it demands a gender-sensitive response, and it leverages existing law at international, regional, and national levels to strengthen the response. This includes the rights to health, nondiscrimination, privacy & confidentiality, information, liberty, and others. Respect for these human rights promotes the health and well-being of individuals and, in doing so, protects the public’s health.