Tuberculosis among populations at high risk and people in vulnerable situations: policy brief

Overview

Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and curable communicable disease that continues to affect millions of people worldwide. While anyone can contract TB, it disproportionately affects individuals in socially and economically disadvantaged communities. These populations often face increased exposure to TB due to factors such as overcrowded living conditions and limited access to healthcare. Additionally, certain risk factors—such as weakened immune systems, undernutrition, and chronic illnesses—further elevate their vulnerability to developing TB and experiencing poor health outcomes.

To end TB, it's essential to identify all individuals at risk and ensure universal access to prevention and care services. This approach must prioritize those in vulnerable situations or at higher risk of developing TB, ensuring that no one is left behind.

This policy brief presents a summary of current evidence on vulnerability to TB and proposes interventions for equitable, person-centred, and human rights-based TB prevention and care. It aligns with WHO policies and guidance on TB prevention and screening, management of TB and comorbidities, access to health care, universal health coverage, determinants of TB, TB-associated impairment and disability, social protection, as well as ethics, equity and human rights.