4.2. Effective communication skills to provide health education and counselling

Communication is best when it is a discussion between the patient and the health-care provider, and not just the health-care provider giving instructions or information to the patient. Good communication skills are very important for the treatment of TB. Not only can good communication help patients to understand the disease and treatment, but it can also help the community to better understand TB and correct misinformation that contributes to stigma (42).

Some important elements of communication needed for health education and counselling are discussed below.

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