This document, published by the Stop TB Partnership, describes the level of care that all practitioners should seek to achieve in managing patients who have, or who are suspected of having, tuberculosis (TB). It states that the basic principles of care for persons with, or suspected of having, tuberculosis are the same worldwide: a diagnosis should be established promptly and accurately; standardised treatments of proven efficacy should be used with appropriate treatment support and supervision; the response to treatment should be monitored; and essential public health responsibilities must be carried out.