Lessons for TB from the COVID-19 response: qualitative data from Brazil, India and South Africa

Public relations Developing country Economics FOS: Political science Immunology Trained Immunity in Health and Disease Social Sciences FOS: Law Nursing Infectious disease (medical specialty) FOS: Health sciences Sociology Qualitative research Health Sciences Pathology Tuberculosis Disease Political science Economic growth Immunology and Microbiology Public health Pandemic FOS: Clinical medicine Politics Life Sciences Original Articles Social science FOS: Sociology Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infectious Diseases Environmental health Health Medicine Factors Affecting Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance Vaccination Intention Law
DOI: 10.5588/pha.23.0044 Publication Date: 2023-12-08T04:38:01Z
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Brazil, India and South Africa are among the top 30 high TB burden countries globally and experienced high rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality. The COVID-19 response in each country was unprecedented and complex, informed by distinct political, economic, social and health systems contexts. While COVID-19 responses have set back TB control efforts, they also hold lessons to inform future TB programming and services.METHODS: This was a qualitative exploratory study involving interviews with TB stakeholders (n = 76) in Brazil, India and South Africa 2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic. Interview transcripts were analysed using an inductive coding strategy.RESULTS: Political will – whether national or subnational – enabled implementation of widespread prevention measures during the COVID-19 response in each country and stimulated mobile and telehealth service delivery innovations. Participants in all three countries emphasised the importance of mobilising and engaging communities in public health responses and noted limited health education and information as barriers to implementing TB control efforts at the community level.CONCLUSIONS: Building political will and social mobilisation must become more central to TB programming. COVID-19 has shown this is possible. A similar level of investment and collaborative effort, if not greater, as that seen during the COVID-19 pandemic is needed for TB through multi-sectoral partnerships.
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