Title : Advances in tuberculosis control during the past decade

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers, particularly in low- and middle income countries. Over the past decade, advancements in diagnostics, treatment, infection prevention, and public health strategies have significantly influenced global TB control efforts. For healthcare workers in infection control, understanding and applying these developments is critical to reducing nosocomial transmission and improving patient outcomes.

Major advancements include the scale-up of rapid molecular diagnostics (e.g., Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra), shorter and more effective treatment regimens for drug-sensitive and MDR-TB, and the implementation of digital adherence technologies. Improved IPC measures—such as enhanced ventilation systems, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), and real-time air quality monitoring—have reduced occupational TB risk in high-burden settings. Additionally, targeted TB infection testing and treatment for healthcare workers have been incorporated into occupational health protocols. The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed improvements in respiratory protection programs and highlighted the importance of airborne precautions.

The past decade has seen transformative progress in TB control, with significant implications for infection control in healthcare environments. To sustain momentum, healthcare workers must remain engaged in TB screening, adhere to IPC best practices, and advocate for continued investment in TB infrastructure. Integration of TB and broader respiratory infection control measures offers a path to safer, more resilient health systems.

Dr Edmund L C Ong MBBS MSC FRCP FRCPI DTMH graduated from University of Newcastle Medical School, UK and trained in UK in Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and General Internal Medicine. His research interests are in the field of opportunistic infections, evaluation of anti-infective agents, clinical epidemiology and innovations in healthcare quality improvement and clinical audit. He is a principal investigator and collaborates in numerous research projects including HIV, Tuberculosis, Dengue fever in Nigeria, South Africa and Myanmar. Dr Ong has contributed to numerous text books of infection and has co-authored more than 160 papers in peer reviewed journals. He is an examiner for both undergraduate and postgraduate examinations including MRCP, Dip in HIV Medicine and MMed qualifications. He is an International Global Advisor (Malaysia) for the Royal College of Physicians, London. He is a member and a former Chairperson of the British HIV Association Audit and Standard of Care Committee. He is a trustee of the Charity Health and Hope (UK).