Ayşe BAHA, Fatma CANBAY
Cyprus Journal of Medical Sciences - 2026;11(5):334-341
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a significant global public health issue. It is estimated that around 25% of the world's population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and TB remains one of the top causes of death worldwide. The World Health Organization's (WHO) latest report indicates that in 2023, there were 10.8 million TB cases and 1.25 million TB-related deaths globally. That year, 8.2 million new TB cases were documented, representing an increase compared with previous years. Population movement is recognized as a significant factor affecting the epidemiology of TB. Migration has increasingly posed a global challenge in social, economic, and public health domains. By the close of 2024, around 118.6 million individuals worldwide had been forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence, persecution, or violations of human rights. Furthermore, the number of people internally displaced by conflict or violence rose by 10% from 2022 to 2023. Ongoing conflicts, economic inequality, and educational opportunities are anticipated to continue to drive migration in the years ahead. WHO underscores the necessity of global cooperation in the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of TB among migrants and refugees. Recently, our country has experienced an increase in migration driven by job and educational opportunities. While TB cases have decreased among the native population, there has been an uptick in cases among those born abroad. In light of global patterns and WHO guidelines, it is crucial to reevaluate and enhance our country's TB screening strategies for immigrants within a robust public health framework.
