title: Tuberculosis control in Malawian prisons: from research to policy and practice.
abstract: Following an operational research study in Zomba Central Prison, Malawi, in 1996, the National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) and the Prison Medical Services worked together to improve the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in prisoners. Prisoners are screened for TB on admission and during their prison sentences. A system was established of treating patients, according to NTP guidelines, while in prison and on discharge from prison. Monitoring and evaluation is undertaken using TB officers at district and regional level, and 6-monthly meetings are held with all stakeholders and the central unit to collate data and review prison TB control activities.
authors.affiliation: Community Health Science Unit, National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Lilongwe, Malawi. adharries@malawi.net
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Harries
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Nyirenda
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Yadidi
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Gondwe
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kwanjana
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Salaniponi
mesh_terms: D023801:Directly Observed Therapy; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008295:Malawi / Q000453:epidemiology; D011330:Prisons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016730:Program Development; D015980:Public Health Practice; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*