title: The need for co-operative operational research in tuberculosis control.
abstract: Progress in tuberculosis research and control is limited. Present control measures have seldom proved as successful as expected. Most of the problems encountered when implementing tuberculosis programmes are managerial and not technical. The only conceivable way to increase the impact of control measures is more effective application of conventional techniques. The data available seldom allow assessment, comparison and systematic improvement in the quality of control programmes. Similarly, the effectiveness of different techniques under specific conditions is difficult to assess. If the deficiencies in tuberculosis control schemes are to be overcome, research needs to be supplemented by co-operative operational research programmes. The aims of these programmes should always be to provide generally applicable guidelines and models for appropriate tuberculosis control schemes on a district level.
mesh_terms: D000353:Africa, Southern; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research; D012107:Research Design; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000517:prevention & control*