How do migrations affect tuberculosis burden? Tuberculosis control among migrant populations

Global migration has increased in recent decades due to war, conflict, persecution, human rights violations and natural disasters, but also because of work opportunities or study. Migrants’ risk of TB differs by reasons for migration, socioeconomic status, mode of travel and TB risk in transit, healthcare provision in the country of origin, and host country. TB control programmes include migrant TB screening strategies for TB and LTBI before and after entry of a host country. The risk of TB is increased in migrant populations, especially refugees and undocumented migrants, who often face difficulties accessing healthcare. Delay in TB diagnosis may be due to patient-related factors such as language, cultural and socioeconomic barriers, or healthcare provider-related factors such as lack of training on migrant health issues. Migrant health promotion, accessible health systems and migrant-sensitive TB strategies are essential at all migration stages to succeed in TB control. <bold>Cite as:</bold> Kunst H, Zenner D, Sotgiu G. How do migrations affect tuberculosis burden? Tuberculosis control among migrant populations. <italic>In:</italic> García-Basteiro AL, Öner Eyüboğlu F, Rangaka MX, eds. The Challenge of Tuberculosis in the 21st Century (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2023; pp. 267–279 [<ext-link>https://doi.org/10.1183/2312508X.10025622</ext-link>].