Physicians continue to be the focal point in the diagnosis and treatment of TB patients with proper screening and diagnostic testing and standardized treatment at the local level.

All physicians are involved in the End TB Strategy, regardless of specialty or whether they work in the public or private sector. Physicians provide a vital link to the individuals as well as the communities they serve by participating in TB control activities.

Physicians have the unique opportunity to decrease the TB burden through early detection and effective treatment to interrupt further transmission. This is especially important because, WHO estimates a person untreated active TB infects an average of 10 to 15 other people per year.