JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND DISEASES
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2705-2214
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JPHD
Start Year: 2018
Email: jphd@integrityresjournals.org
Commentary review on trends and emerging challenges of tuberculosis and drug resistance
https://doi.org/10.31248/JPHD2024.144 | Article Number: D802AC3F1 | Vol.7 (2) - April 2025
Received Date: 17 December 2024 | Accepted Date: 14 March 2025 | Published Date: 30 April 2025
Authors: Daniel Abigail Abi* , Al-Mansur Sumayya , Reuben Biyama Chama , Magaji Ajik , Ajide Bukola Adeyoola , Emma-Ekwealor Emmanuella , Ojukwu Chinonso Nnenna and Matthias Solomon Gamde
Keywords: trend, Tuberculosis, Diagnostics, drug resistance
Despite strides in tuberculosis (TB) control, including advancements in medication, the ongoing challenge of drug-resistant TB continues to complicate global efforts to combat this infectious disease. This review aims to analyse current global trends in TB incidence and prevalence, assess the scope and impact of drug-resistant TB, and identify the emerging challenges in TB control and management. This review compiled and analysed studies from December 2001 to 6th September 2023 on tuberculosis and drug resistance, utilising comprehensive search strategies, inclusion criteria, and data extraction methods to provide conclusive insights. A total of (n=80) manuscripts were identified and retrieved for detailed evaluation during the short-listing of published literature and manuscripts. Following a thorough review of the published research papers and government database reports, n=42 were identified as appropriate and were considered for the present manuscript. The study revealed significant global trends in tuberculosis (TB) incidence and prevalence, with a historical decline in global TB incidence by an average of 1.6% per year since 2000. However, challenges related to healthcare infrastructure and resource allocation persist, hindering the scaling up of these technologies in high-burden regions where the incidence rates remain critically high. The findings also emphasise the growing challenge of drug-resistant TB, with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensive drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) posing significant treatment and public health challenges globally. Addressing the global TB epidemic and drug resistance requires a multi-faceted approach that includes strengthening healthcare systems through improved access to quality TB services, enhanced TB detection and diagnosis, scaled-up treatment and care, and effective management of drug resistance. TB and drug resistance continue to be significant global health challenges. Understanding the evolving trends and emerging challenges is crucial for developing effective strategies to control and eventually eliminate TB and mitigate the threat of drug-resistant strains.
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