Tuberculosis in Turkiye: Epidemiological insights and recommendations for progress

Abstract

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global public health challenge. We provide an overview of the current TB epidemiology in Turkey, highlighting key findings related to TB incidence, diagnostic challenges, and treatment outcomes.ResultsA gradual decline in TB incidence in Turkiye has been observed over recent years. In 2022, the TB incidence rate was 11.5 per 100,000, falling short of achieving WHO's target of a 50% reduction by 2025. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is rising, particularly among foreign-born populations, and delays in diagnosing extrapulmonary TB forms, such as TB meningitis and spondylodiscitis, continue to hinder effective treatment.ConclusionWe identify critical gaps in diagnostic tools, treatment adherence, and healthcare worker knowledge. We provide a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at reducing TB incidence and improving treatment success, including the implementation of rapid molecular diagnostic tests, strengthening health policies for at-risk populations (such as migrants), improving healthcare worker education, and leveraging mobile health platforms to monitor treatment adherence.