Reducing the burden of TB among migrants to low TB incidence countries

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2023 Mar 1;27(3):182-188. doi: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0662.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: International migrants to low TB incidence countries are disproportionately affected by TB compared to the native population: migrants are at increased risk for TB transmission and TB disease due to a variety of personal, environmental and socio-economic determinants experienced during the four phases of migration (pre-departure, transit, arrival and early settlement, return travel).OBJECTIVE: To provide an up-to-date overview of the determinants that drive the TB burden among migrants, as well as effective and feasible interventions to address this for each migration phase.METHODS: We conducted a literature review by searching PubMed and the grey literature for articles and reports on determinants and interventions addressing migrant health and TB.RESULTS: Lowering the risk of TB transmission and TB disease among migrants would be most effective by improving the socio-economic position of migrants pre-, during and after migration, ensuring universal health coverage, and providing tailored and migrant-sensitive care and prevention activities.CONCLUSION: In addition to migrant-sensitive health services and cross-border collaboration between low TB incidence countries, there is a need for international financial and technical support for endemic countries.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Transients and Migrants*
  • Travel
  • Tuberculosis* / prevention & control
  • Tuberculosis* / therapy
  • Universal Health Insurance