Partnering for better lung health: improving tobacco and tuberculosis control

Tuberculosis and tobacco together constitute a considerable threat to globa l health. Several recent initiatives by non-governmental organisations and the World Health Organization have highlighted the need for concerted appro aches to lung health that require addressing both of these major threats. H owever, the emphasis has been on independent effects on health and on indep endent strategies to control. There is a clear case for closer partnering b etween researchers, service providers and policy makers in addressing tuber culosis and tobacco. This is based upon growing epidemiological and laborat ory evidence that indicate that tobacco is a risk factor for tuberculosis a nd for death from tuberculosis. Despite the fact that a very high percentag e of tuberculosis patients smoke in all settings for which data are availab le, opportunities to treat tobacco dependence in such patients are underuti lised. This paper will recommend areas that require research, policy develo pment and immediate action.