Tuberculosis or TB is a disease caused the bacteria Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. TB can damage a person's lungs and/or other parts of the body and cause serious illness if not treated.
TB remains one of the most prevalent infections of human beings. The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the world’s population are infected with TB. In 2014 there were an estimated 9.6 million new cases of TB, and 1.5 million TB related deaths globally.
Australia is fortunate in having one of the lowest rates of TB in the world. This has been primarily achieved as a result of a continued commitment to provide specialised health services dedicated to the prevention and control of TB in each of the states and territories. The National TB Advisory Committee’s Strategic Plan for the Control of Tuberculosis, 2011-2015sets out the goals and objectives of TB control in Australia.
Despite Australia’s success in reducing TB, there is no room for complacency. Global connectivity through air travel and migration means that TB will remain a public health concern in Australia until worldwide control of TB is achieved. The NSW TB Program is the provider of specialised services for the prevention and control of TB in NSW and plays a vital role in maintaining Australia’s success in reducing the burden of TB.
The NSW TB Program provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary service for the prevention and control of TB in NSW. We have a network of TB services (Chest Clinics) located across the state. The network aims to provide accessible and culturally appropriate services to all.
Through our network of local TB services, the NSW TB Program provides;