Obstacles of ending TB: What does health system think?

Background: Despite the importance of Tuberculosis (TB) control program and eliminationof disease as its target, only a few studies have been carried out to evaluate tuberculosis controlin Iran. In the present study, we intended to ask the opinions from experts and managers of IranUniversity of Medical Sciences about the TB control program in Iran.Methods: A Qualitative study was carried out to determine experts’ and managers’ opinionsabout the national TB control program. Experts and stakeholders were listed for focus groupdiscussions (FGD) and interviews using purposive sampling method. We interviewed all levelsof staff involved in the tuberculosis control program (managers, physicians, and administrativeand executive staffs). Three FGD sessions were held with ۲۸ participants. The participantswere excluded if they had less than six months of experience in TB program. FGD andinterviews were manually coded and the themes and sub-themes were extracted. Afteranalyzing the results, the final report was drafted.Results: The results were classified into four themes and ۱۵ subthemes (۶ in input, ۳ inprocess, ۲ in outputs, and ۴ in outcome). There were positive points and problems in each part.To achieve the goal of End TB, we will need to review the process, incorporate with othersectors, apply new diagnostic methods, and participate with other stakeholders (internal andexternal).Conclusion: Because of the effects of socio-economic factors on tuberculosis, consideringthe current implementation of the program; it is not possible to eliminate tuberculosis.