Implementation of the tuberculosis program in Medellin.

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a serious public health issue in Colombia. This book presents the evaluation of the implementation of the tuberculosis program (TBP) in the city of Medellin, in the context of the Colombian Health System (CHS). The low quality of health care provided for TB patients increases the patient's risk for developing complications, disabilities or even death. This situation results from deficiencies in provision of health services; lack of regulations by local and provincial authorities; failure of the market oriented national health system to carry out public health activities; insufficient communication and social mobilization strategies; limited organization and mobilization to search patient s rights due to stigmatization of the disease; non-existent coordination between the health sector and other sectors, in order to improve social determinants of TB patients. The last part of this book ends with a description of comprehensive strategies to improve the functioning of the TBP in Medellin. The analysis should be useful to local health authorities, health professionals and academicians, involved in the TB control.