The article describes the two views of voluntary TB associations and focuses on the role of voluntary associations viewed as the all-level type, wherein, local voluntary units are confederated in the National TB Association. The government, the medical profession and the general public or the voluntary association, as its representative, are the three partners in the TB programme with specific functions. The voluntary associations are roughly classified into two groups based on whether the TB control programme in the specific country is recent or has been well-established for long. The prospective role of voluntary associations in developing countries include setting up and encouragement of local voluntary units, co-ordination of the local units, stimulating the government by initiating certain pioneering activities, maintaining a close relationship with the medical profession and promoting international contacts, especially, within the International Union. The work of the TAI is mentioned as a stimulating example that the above ideas can be realized in a developing-country context. The suggested role for voluntary organisations in developed countries include promoting epidemiological research after consultation with epidemiologists, the adoption of a sister organisation in one of the developing countries and extending activities beyond TB control to incorporate other respiratory or vascular diseases.

There seems to be a wide field for volunteer activity in TB control, both in creating the right atmosphere as well as in actual participation in the TB programme. But in order to make the best possible use of volunteers, it is indispensable that the voluntary association has well defined, clear and practical ideas on technique and organization of a modern public health anti-TB programme. Only then, can the association give the necessary guidance to its volunteers who want to serve the cause.