LAUSR

The approach of NSP revolves around four pillars Detect– Treat–Prevent–Build.[1] Out of these, the most important pillar is the early detection of TB cases and their drug sensitivity status. This can be achieved by scaling up diagnostic tests and algorithms that have high sensitivity and are freely available to the public. In addition, universal testing for drug-resistant TB is an integral component of the “Detect” pillar.[1] In 2021, out of all new TB patients, 23% were diagnosed using smear microscopy, 21% using molecular diagnostic methods, 35% using chest X-rays, and 20% using other methods.[2]