Question: Can health authorities ensure that tuberculosis related supplies and medicines are available

Answer passage (source: WHO):
page_title: Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
section_headers: How can health authorities ensure supplies of tuberculosis medicines and diagnostics?
section_content: Appropriate planning and monitoring are essential to ensure that procurement
and supply of tuberculosis (TB) medicines and diagnostics are not interrupted.  
WHO is monitoring medicine supply at the global level, while The Global Fund,
the Stop TB Partnership Global Drug Facility (GDF), USAID, Unitaid and other
donors play an essential role in supporting countries to secure adequate and
sustainable supplies of TB medicines, drugs and diagnostics.
Countries are advised to place their orders for 2020 delivery as soon as
possible given anticipated delays in transport and delivery mechanisms.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Brief but clear description of plans to protect the supply of TB testing and treatment.
The answer responds to the question, but only at the provider response level.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: WHO):
page_title: Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
section_headers: How can we protect people seeking tuberculosis care during the COVID-19 pandemic?
section_content: In a context of widespread restriction of movement of the population in
response to the pandemic and isolation of COVID-19 patients, communication
with the healthcare services should be maintained so that people with
tuberculosis (TB), especially those most vulnerable, get essential services.
This includes management of adverse drug reactions and co-morbidities,
nutritional and mental health support, and restocking of the supplies of
medicines.
Enough TB medicines will need to be dispensed to the patient or caregiver to
last until the next visit. This will limit interruption or unnecessary visits
to the clinic. Mechanisms to deliver medicines at home and even to collect
specimens for follow-up testing may become expedient. Home-based TB treatment
is bound to become more common. Alternative arrangements to reduce clinic
visits may involve limiting appointments to specific times to avoid exposure
to other clinic attendees; using digital technologies to maintain treatment
support. Community health workers become more critical as treatment is more
decentralized.
More TB patients will probably start their treatment at home and therefore
limiting the risk of household transmission of TB during the first few weeks
is important.
Vulnerable populations who have poor access to healthcare should not get
further marginalized during the pandemic.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Clear description of plans to avoid disruptions to TB treatment during the pandemic.
The answer specifically responds to the question.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent

Answer passage (source: WHO):
page_title: Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
section_headers: What should health authorities do to provide sustainability of essential tuberculosis services during the COVID-19 pandemic?
section_content: People-centred delivery of tuberculosis (TB) prevention, diagnosis, treatment
and care services should be ensured in tandem with the COVID-19 response.  
Prevention: Measures must be implemented to limit transmission of TB and
COVID-19 in congregate settings and health care facilities. Administrative,
environmental and personal protection measures apply to both (e.g. basic
infection prevention and control, cough etiquette, patient triage).  
Provision of TB preventive treatment should be maintained as much as possible.  
Diagnosis : Tests for TB and COVID-9 are different and both should be
made available for individuals with respiratory symptoms, which may be similar
for the two diseases.  
Treatment and care : People-centred outpatient and community-based care
should be strongly preferred over hospital treatment for TB patients (unless
serious conditions require hospitalization) to reduce opportunities for
transmission.  
Anti-TB treatment, in line with the latest WHO guidelines, must be provided
for all TB patients, including those in quarantine and those with confirmed
COVID-19 disease. Adequate stocks of TB medicines should be provided to all
patients to reduce trips to collect medicines.  
Use of digital health technologies for patients and programmes should be
intensified. In line with WHO recommendations, technologies like electronic
medication monitors and video-supported therapy can help patients complete
their TB treatment.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Describes plans for making sure that patients still have access to TB supplies during the pandemic.
The answer specifically responds to the question.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent