The impact of COVID-19 pandemic in high-burden countries for tuberculosis: A systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

Tuberculosis (TB) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are the two most significant health challenges faced by the public. Numerous confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide are concentrated in nations already burdened with TB. The COVID-19 pandemic has surpassed all other health issues globally and has significantly impacted the prevalence of TB.

Methods

A PubMed literature search (2020–2022) using the keywords, “Tuberculosis”, “Drug-resistant Tuberculosis”, “Impact of the Pandemic”, “SARS-CoV2” “COVID-19″ and “Public health”, was performed. Additional statistical information has been gathered from online databases such as the WHO COVID-19 dashboard, Nikshay Portal, and Worldometer, India.

Results

India, Indonesia, and the Philippines were the major contributors to the steep fall in global TB case notifications. Being the highest TB burden country, detailed trends were observed in monthly TB reports in India, compared with the newly confirmed COVID-19 cases. Flow diagrams of TB studies along with COVID-19 reports have been included in the review.

Discussion

A remarkable strain in the TB control programs was seen in high-TB troubled countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison to pre-pandemic and post-pandemic. A possible key to the prevention of the burden of TB lies in dealing with its risk factors; simultaneously raising the funds and sustaining investment in healthcare systems to address the needs of the poor and robust to the threat of epidemics. These countries should have a perpetual TB strategy to reach the target by 2030, together with an effective strategy for COVID-19 management.