tblatvia.com - News

International Training Course highlights innovation and practical approaches in drug-resistant tuberculosis care

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:22:00 +0000

From 8 to 15 September 2026, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Management of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis at the Centre of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases of Riga East Clinical University Hospital, hosted the international course “Innovations in Treatment and Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis.” The seven-day, in-person program brought together 18 healthcare professionals from Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Latvia.

The seven-day program focused on translating current recommendations into practical skills.

Participants worked through real cases, treatment regimen selection, management of adverse drug reactions, diagnostics and sequencing, therapeutic drug monitoring, infection control and complex TB care.

An important part of the course was people-centred care — communication with patients, treatment support, care for vulnerable groups, rehabilitation and post-TB lung disease. Participants also visited inpatient and outpatient TB services and took part in a clinical TB consilium.

The training was delivered by a multidisciplinary international team of experts from Latvia, Estonia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Ukraine, bringing together expertise from different areas of TB care.

Participant feedback was highly positive, particularly highlighting the combination of theory and practice, interactive learning, relevant and up-to-date content, and the professionalism of the trainers. Participants also identified concrete ways to apply the knowledge gained in their daily work, including sequencing for drug-resistance diagnostics, therapeutic drug monitoring, improved management of adverse reactions, rehabilitation and modern approaches to patient management.

Our main goal was not only to share new knowledge, but to strengthen the skills needed to apply it in everyday care for people affected by TB.

Registration closed for International DR-TB training courses

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 06:56:00 +0000

Registration for both international professional development courses dedicated to the latest advances in the treatment and management of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is now closed.Both courses have attracted a sufficient number of participants and will take place as scheduled.

On-site advanced training course Innovations in the Treatment and Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis will take place on 8–15 September 2026, at the WHO Collaborating Centre in Latvia – Centre of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Riga East University Hospital, Riga, Latvia.

International online training course Innovations in Treatment and Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis will be held on 6, 13, 20 and 27 October 2026.

Both programmes will provide participants with an opportunity to strengthen their clinical knowledge and practical competencies in DR-TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and person-centred care, drawing on the latest WHO recommendations, scientific evidence, expert experience, and practical clinical cases.

We would like to thank everyone who registered for their interest and look forward to welcoming participants to the upcoming courses.

Those who are still interested in joining the online training course are welcome to contact us directly at mdr.tb.training@aslimnica.lv to enquire about possible participation.

Registration is closed

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:16:00 +0000

On-site advanced training course (Russian language) Innovations in the treatment and management of drug-resistant tuberculosis

Dates: 8–15 September 2026

Venue: WHO Collaborating Centre in Latvia – Centre of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Riga East University Hospital, Riga, Latvia

Language: Russian

This intensive seven-day course combines expert lectures, interactive discussions, and case-based learning. Participants will explore the latest developments in TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and long-term patient management.

Key topics include:

Updated WHO recommendations and the latest scientific evidence;
Early case detection and modern diagnostic technologies;
Design of treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB;
Treatment monitoring, therapeutic drug monitoring, and management of adverse events;
TB/HIV co-infection, viral hepatitis, co-morbidities, and differential diagnosis;
Person-centred care, digital innovations, and effective communication;
Post-TB health and sustainable models of TB care;
Clinical case discussions and exchange of experience among participants from different countries.

More information: http://www.tblatvia.com/innovacii-v-lechenii-i-vedenii-lu-tb-2026/

Registration now open for International training courses on Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in 2026

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:04:00 +0000

Registration for two international professional development courses dedicated to the latest advances in the treatment and management of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is now open.

Designed for physicians and other healthcare professionals involved in TB care, the courses provide an opportunity to strengthen clinical knowledge and practical competencies in accordance with the latest WHO recommendations, emerging scientific evidence, and innovative approaches to patient-centred tuberculosis care.

On-site Advanced Training Course (Russian language) Innovations in the Treatment and Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis.

Dates: 8–15 September 2026

Venue: WHO Collaborating Centre in Latvia – Centre of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Riga East University Hospital, Riga, Latvia

Language: Russian

Key topics include:

Updated WHO recommendations and the latest scientific evidence;
Early case detection and modern diagnostic technologies;
Design of treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB;
Treatment monitoring, therapeutic drug monitoring, and management of adverse events;
TB/HIV co-infection, viral hepatitis, co-morbidities, and differential diagnosis;
Person-centred care, digital innovations, and effective communication;
Post-TB health and sustainable models of TB care;
Clinical case discussions and exchange of experience among participants from different countries.

Registration is closed.

More information: http://www.tblatvia.com/innovacii-v-lechenii-i-vedenii-lu-tb-2026/

International Online Training Course (English and Russian) Innovations in Treatment and Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis.

Course dates: 6, 13, 20 and 27 October 2026

Languages: English and Russian

The four-module online programme is designed for clinicians involved in TB care worldwide and focuses on strengthening competencies in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and person-centred management of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

The course combines the latest scientific evidence, WHO recommendations, expert experience, practical clinical cases, and interactive discussions, enabling participants to apply modern approaches in their own clinical practice.

Module 1: Where Are We in 2026? Early Case Detection and Diagnosis of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Module 2: Treatment and Regimen Design for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Module 3: Advanced Clinical Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Module 4: Beyond Cure: Person-Centred Care, Post-TB Health, and Resilient TB Services

Participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences with international experts and colleagues, discuss challenging clinical cases, and explore innovative digital solutions for TB care.

Registration to online training:

Early Bird registration: closed.
Registration deadline - 31 August 2026: EUR 550

Registration form: https://forms.gle/GX6ZLusRFk3RvfQA6

More information: http://www.tblatvia.com/new-online-training-2026/

Continuing Medical Education

Participants who successfully complete the online course will receive a certificate with European Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits.

Healthcare professionals interested in advancing their expertise in drug-resistant tuberculosis are encouraged to register early, as the courses are expected to attract participants from multiple countries.

DR-TB training in Riga, 16-23 of August 2023

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0000

From 16 to 23 August, WHO CC for Research and Training in Management of MDR TB hosted an international training course on innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant TB attended by 29 healthcare professionals from Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan.

Dr. Līga Kukša, the head of WHO CC for Research and Training in Management of MDR TB: "We are delighted that colleagues from other countries choose to visit the Latvian WHO Collaborating Centre to broaden their professional expertise and knowledge, which makes an important contribution to our own work, encouraging us to continuously learn, improve and strengthen our work so that we can pass on our experience to colleagues from collaborating countries."

A common approach to translating TB innovations into clinical practice, sharing experiences and collaborating across countries is essential to ensure the success of TB programmes and to continuously improve the quality and continuity of patient care".

The 7-day training course integrated the most up-to-date guidelines, recommendations and research-based approaches to TB diagnosis, treatment and care. The course also included study visits to the wards of the TB and Lung Disease Centre and the Riga Outpatient Department of Riga East University hospital to introduce participants to the Latvian TB control program experience.

A significant part of the training was also devoted to the practical work of the participants - country presentations, group discussions and analysis of different clinical cases.

We gratefully thank our wonderful participants, reliable partners and excellent experts who contributed to the course!

Workshop on cascade of care for MDR-TB/RR-TB patients

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:15:00 +0000

From 29 to 30 May, WHO CC for Research and Training in Management of MDR TB of Riga East University Hospital participated in a workshop in Riga, Latvia on the cascade of care for MDR-TB/RR-TB patients with a special focus on treatment adherence organized by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands for the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

The specific objectives of this workshop were:

to enhance scientific knowledge on the diagnosis, treatment and especially treatment adherence of MDR/RR-TB;
to discuss country challenges in the management of MDR/RR-TB patients
to share good practices and lessons learned in the management of MDR/RR-TB patients.

This dynamic and interactive workshop was structured by combining presentations on MDR/RR-TB diagnosis, treatment and treatment adherence with group discussions and group work on practice-based case studies, a moderated poster session, country presentations and a practical visit to the TB Outpatient department of the Centre for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Riga East University Hospital (CTBLD, REUH).

Participants from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Spain attended this workshop.

Liga Kuksa, the head of WHO CC Latvia was one of the co-lecturers of this workshop and presented side effects of new regimens, and active drug-safety monitoring and management as well as co-facilitated poster session and group work during the workshop.
Evita Biraua, the head nurse of the TB Outpatient department of CTBLD, REUH presented the Latvian poster on treatment and care of MDR/RR-TB patients in outpatient settings and good practices/examples from Latvia in treatment adherence and support for the patients.
Vija Riekstina, the head of the TB Outpatient department of CTBLD, REUH introduced participants to the organization of work of the Outpatient department, digital tools, and treatment adherence support for the patients.

TBnet Academy in Riga

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:11:00 +0000

From May 21st to 24th, the WHO CC Latvia of the TB and Lung Disease Center, Riga East University Hospital hosted the TBnet Academy 2023, organized by the European consortium of health professionals and scientists – TBnet. TBnet Academy is an international forum bringing together young clinicians and scientists from across Europe to take part in an intensive 3 and a half day programme that included study visits to wards, a lab visit, and expert and student-led lectures.

This Academy was held for the 11th time, previously it's been held in various European countries. It provides participants – young doctors and researchers – with the opportunity to learn and experience innovations in the prevention, epidemiology, treatment and improvement of standards of care under the guidance of internationally coached experts and mentors. The academy is attended by more than 40 professionals from 13 different countries in the European region. This year, TB and Lung Diseases Center was selected as a collaborator and host for this prestigious event.

Dr Liga Kuksa, head of WHO CC: TBnet Academy is a unique event where young specialists working in TB can familiarize themselves with the latest scientific and practical advances and assess the importance and necessity of research. The academy aims to encourage participants and help them acquire specific skills to succeed in research. Such international cooperation, particularly in times of conflict and economic instability in the European region, is vital to ensuring the ongoing exchange of scientific ideas and clinical knowledge, as well as cultural education and friendshipTBnet is a European NGO made up of more than 900 health professionals and scientists. The organization aims to promote the quality of TB patient care by addressing health inequalities, making expert recommendations in areas where clinical evidence is lacking, prioritizing research, conducting multicentre clinical trials and training European clinicians and scientists. The author and promoter of the Academy idea is Prof Christoph Lange, who represents the Borstel Institute of Science in Germany and is also a Board Member of TBnet.

Innovations in treatment and management of DR-TB course in April

Wed, 10 May 2023 07:18:00 +0000

On 26 April, our first but not the last intensive postgraduate course for this year for TB professionals on drug-resistant tuberculosis concluded.

Over the 7 days of training, we discussed the current evidence and latest guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis. We visited the wards of the Centre for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases and went on a field visit to the TB Ambulatory Department to learn about Latvia's experience in patient care in the outpatient setting.

One of the key objectives of the course is to facilitate the exchange of clinical experiences, good practices and interventions among participants and facilitators coming from different countries in our region. The content of this course is therefore designed to be interactive, providing space for discussions, group work and the exchange of views and ideas.

30 TB professionals coming from Ukraine, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Latvia attended this course.

Some feedback from participants:

The learning modules of the course fully addressed the problems that arise in the organization of the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculosis in our country
A friendly, collegial atmosphere was maintained throughout the training, for which we are very grateful to the trainers who facilitated it.
After completing this course, I will implement the new WHO recommendations in my clinical practice, improve communication with patients and adopt a holistic approach to the treatment and care of patients with TB.

Join the innovations in treatment and management of DR-TB course in Latvia!

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 13:28:00 +0000

Dear Colleagues,

We are happy to announce the first in-person course that will be organized from 19 to 26 April 2023 (7 working days, including Saturday 22 April) at the WHO CC Latvia facilities - Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Center, Riga East University hospital.

Exchange of experience course to scale up the competencies and knowledge of TB specialists in the clinical management of DR-TB in line with the current European Regional TB Action Plan as well as the novel approaches and evidence in programmatic management of drug-resistant TB.

The working language for this course: Russian

Course details & registration: http://www.tblatvia.com/innovations-in-dr-tb-course/

Registration for the online DR-TB course in English extended!

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 09:49:00 +0000

The registration deadline for participants of the online course "Innovations in treatment and management of drug-resistant tuberculosis", which will be organized 9-11/01 and 16-17/01, 2023
is extended to 29/12/2022!

This online course is designed to build the capacity of TB specialists in TB clinical management and introduce the updates from the WHO consolidated guidelines on TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care; scale-up approaches in delivering a people-centered model of TB care, as well as to learn about innovations, digital solutions and the latest evidence and recommendations in the management of drug-resistant TB.

Read more about this course: http://www.tblatvia.com/tb-course-for-clinicians/

Registration is available online!