Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Tuberculosis Epidemiology and the Need to Review Policy Priorities for Its Management

Document Type : policy brief

Authors
1 Department of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Provincial Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Nutrition and Food Security Research Center, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3 Vice President of University Health, Head of Provincial Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i859.0602
Abstract
A review of epidemiological data from a study in Isfahan province showed that about one-third of the identified patients are foreign nationals, especially Afghan immigrants, who have a lower average age than Iranian patients. the geographical distribution of cases is not the same in different cities of the province. According to the study findings, existing control strategies need to be reviewed. To respond to this challenge, five policy strategies were proposed. First, implementing an active screening program in the foreign national population in cooperation with the Nationals Administration and NGOs, while ensuring the security and confidentiality of their information. Second, designing and implementing periodic screening in industrial workers in coordination with the Labor Administration and employers, and using mobile health teams. Third, strengthening the surveillance system and actively searching for tuberculosis cases to compensate for undiagnosed cases during the pandemic. Fourth, identifying close contacts of married patients and treating latent tuberculosis in children under 6 years of age as an effective preventive intervention. Fifth, screening the elderly population, especially residents of care centers, by sending mobile teams. The implementation of the proposed strategies also faces implementation obstacles, including the fear of immigrants being rejected, employers' resistance to workers' absenteeism, burnout of health personnel, lack of awareness among families, and the mobility restrictions of the elderly. Considering these obstacles, the prioritization of strategies was proposed as follows: first, strengthening the surveillance system as the main infrastructure, then screening the immigrant population considering their high share, then treating latent tuberculosis in children

Highlights

Abolfazl Hajari:  Google Scholar

Shima Sadat Talai : Google Scholar

Sahebjan Torkian : Google Scholar

Reza Fadaei Nobari :  Google Scholar

Zohreh Abbaspour  : Google Scholar

Hamid Galehdari : Google Scholar

Keywords
Subjects

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Volume 44, Issue 859
3rd Week,June (Policy Brief)
May and June 2026
Pages 602-607

  • Receive Date 21 February 2026
  • Accept Date 06 May 2026