The promotion and protection of human rights is central to ending TB. A human-rights-based approach to TB is grounded in international, regional, and domestic law. These laws establish rights to health, non-discrimination, privacy, confidentiality, participation, freedom of movement, and enjoyment of the benefits of scientific progress, among others. Human rights law also establishes the legal obligations of governments and private actors. To implement a human-rights-based approach to TB, countries should:
- Ensure laws and policies are consistent with the principles of human rights and social justice;
- Prohibit stigma and discrimination against people with TB and TB key and vulnerable populations (KVPs), and ensure all people affected by TB have their privacy and confidentiality protected and have access to remedies when their rights are violated;
- Empower people affected by TB and KVPs to participate in all components of the TB response, including prioritization, design, implementation, monitoring, review, and governance;
- Establish an enabling environment with legal rights to access TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, and support that is acceptable, affordable and of the highest quality;
- Ensure that programs and interventions are tailored to the needs of KVPs and are gender-responsive;
- Protect the privacy, confidentiality, and access to information for people affected by TB;
- Ensure access to inclusive and comprehensive systems of psychosocial support, including mental health, peer support, housing support, transportation support, loss of income support, nutrition support and legal aid.
