Characterization of the implementation process of the National Policy to the Tuberculosis Control in Costa Rica, 2012-2015

Abstract

Aim: To characterize the implementation process of the National Policy of Tuberculosis Control in Costa Rica 2012-2015. Methods: The Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy (M&E) was used in order to analyze the objectives of the program according to the context and to obtained indicators for 2012-2015. A case study was proposed to know which components of the policy had been used and to comprehend the implementation process. The information was collected through semi-structured interviews to policy makers and implementers of the policy. Results: In 2015, Costa Rica had 8.13 reported cases of tuberculosis per 100 000 people. The country achieved the 85 % of successful treatment; however, the cure rate was 60 % and the death rate was 6.55 %. Conclusions: The country did not perform the recommended collaborative strategies by Pan American Health Organization, did not have inter-sectorial coordination or inter-institutional work with other institutions from the Health System, and did not achieve the participation of the community or the social institutions in the program.