The World Health Organization has issued a comprehensive new policy brief spotlighting the persistent threat of tuberculosis (TB) among populations at high risk and for people in vulnerable situations. This timely policy brief brings to the fore the disproportionate burden of TB among people who are socially and economically disadvantaged, marginalised or otherwise at high risk of developing TB. This includes:
. people experiencing poor living or working conditions;
· people with limited or no access to healthcare;
· people who are stigmatised or marginalised; and
· people with other risk factors for TB – such as weakened immune systems, undernutrition, and chronic illnesses.
The policy brief emphasises the importance of ensuring universal access to TB services for populations at high-risk and for people in vulnerable situations, and the need to address stigma and discrimination as these deter people from seeking care. TB is both preventable and curable, it remains a leading infectious disease killer, and delayed or missed diagnoses can fuel TB transmission.
“Tuberculosis thrives in conditions of inequality” said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, World Health Organization, “it is essential to identify all people at risk of TB and ensure universal access to TB prevention and care services, prioritising those in vulnerable situations or for those with a high risk of TB.”
The policy brief presents a summary of concrete, evidence-based interventions to reach all people at risk of TB. It promotes people centred care which is embedded in WHO policies and guidance on TB care, including:
· prevention, screening and early detection, with linkages to TB care;
· supportive care offered during TB treatment;
· prevention and management of the key comorbidities associated with TB;
· TB services offered with full engagement of communities and civil society;
· promoting universal health coverage;
· promoting access to social protection; and
· addressing the social determinants of TB.
