Tuberculosis and COVID-19

Tuberculosis and COVID-19: What to do?

Tuberculosis (TB) is the deadliest infectious disease in most low- and middle-income countries, claiming more than 4,000 lives each day. The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted people with pre-existing health conditions. People with TB are usually more vulnerable to other infections, including the novel coronavirus, due to pre-existing lung damage. They are also at higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19.

Implementation of simultaneous diagnostic testing for COVID-19 and TB in high TB burden countries

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Considerations for selection of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics and potential multiplexing: A perspective to ensure continuity of care for people with TB

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Information Note: Digital Health Technologies, Virtual Care and Community-Based Monitoring Solutions for TB Programmes

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TB AND COVID-19 INTERACTIVE MAPS

One year on, new data show that the global impact of COVID-19 on the TB epidemic has been worse than expected.

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PRESS BRIEFING ON TB AND COVID-19

TB & COVID-19 DEATHS IN GLOBAL FUND ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES WHO AFR REGION

Measures to be taken by people with TB to reduce their risk for COVID-19:

Social distancing with “reverse-quarantine”: Remain at home and avoid contact with people as much as possible.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Don’t touch face, nose, eyes with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with those who are unwell.
Strictly adhere to your TB treatment.
Avoid hospital visits as much as possible and keep in touch with your doctor/nurse/health facility by phone.
Use masks, and take extra caution to maintain hygiene such as – disinfection of hands, used surfaces, proper disposal of used tissues, etc.

TB Programmes need to:

Ensure proper communication is maintained with people affected by TB and all stakeholders using virtual means of communication.
Secure multiple months of TB medicines are made available at the homes of people on TB treatment
Use appropriate digital adherence/support tools according to the local context.
Ensure people with TB receive necessary psycho-social, nutritional, economic support.
Ensure TB care providers are well briefed and use essential personal protection equipment.
Switch to treatment for drug-resistant TB which is injection free. Ensure systems are in place for remotely monitoring of side effects and minimizing hospital visits.
Maintain uninterrupted TB drugs supply by planning early procurement and careful planning of local distribution and transportation in lock down situations.

Tuberculosis and COVID-19