After a decades-long wait, shorter treatment for drug-sensitive tuberculosis (TB) for adults and children is finally possible. Two landmark clinical trials (S31/A5349 and SHINE) have demonstrated that adults, adolescents, and some children can be cured of TB in as little as four months.

An Activist’s Guide to Shorter Treatment for Drug-Sensitive Tuberculosis provides activists with information about two shorter treatment regimens for drug-sensitive TB: (1) a four-month regimen with high dose rifapentine given in place of rifampicin and moxifloxacin given in place of ethambutol for adults and adolescents; and (2) a four-month regimen with standard doses of rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide plus or minus ethambutol for children with non-severe TB.

The guide reviews recent trial results and key considerations for special populations, including people living with HIV, pregnant people, people who want to avoid pregnancy, people with diabetes, people who use drugs, people being treated for HCV, and people who take psychotropic medicines. The guide also discusses anticipated access barriers and equips activists with actions they can take and arguments they can use to advocate for access to shorter treatment regimens for TB.