As migrants suffer disproportionately from TB, accurate and timely detection of TB in migrants is critical to ending the global TB epidemic. See how we can protect migrants from TB.
TB Management

Migrants

People are on the move, and so is TB

There are an estimated 1 billion migrants living in the world today. That’s one in every eight people. Out of this massive number, around 281 million are international migrants, meaning they moved from one country to another, and approximately 82.4 million are forcibly displaced individuals who were forced to leave their homes due to various reasons (1).

So, while migrants contribute greatly to the diverse fabric of our world, it's important to address the challenges they face in terms of healthcare and living conditions.

People are on the move, and so is TB

US CDC now requires IGRA tests for immigrant or refugee status applicants

Accurate and timely screening for TB infection is critical to protect migrants and the communities that welcome them. The WHO now recommends systematic TB testing and treatment for migrants originating from countries with a high burden of TB (2).

In addition, the US CDC requires that from October 1, 2024, all panel physicians must perform a US FDA- or WHO-approved interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) instead of the tuberculin skin test (TST) on applicants from high-TB-burden countries (3). TB blood tests are also required for applicants from low-TB-burden countries who show signs or symptoms of TB infection.
Protect migrant health with QuantiFERON technology

Protect migrant health with QuantiFERON technology

QuantiFERON TB testing employs a simple blood test (IGRA) to aid in the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

  • Single patient visit
  • Unaffected by prior BCG vaccination
  • Endorsed by International Panel Physicians Association (IPPA) and WHO
  • Selected for migrant screening by the UN International Organization for Migration
Reduce the risk of active TB in migrants
QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus provides accurate, single-visit TB infection testing.
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TB in migrants

Helping migrants start a new life without TB

Helping migrants start a new life without TB

How can a doctor reach out to foreign patients who don't speak the language, have distrust of doctors and have priorities that supersede a latent disease they may not even be aware of? Dr. Christian Herzmann, an expert in respiratory disease, is exploring uniquely creative ways to connect with patients – two-thirds of whom are migrants or refugees in Germany.

Read full story

Insights on the development of a national health plan for TB

Migrants are at increased risk for latent and active tuberculosis, and screening for latent TB infection is a critical component of a TB prevention and control strategy. Join Dr. Eskild Petersen as he discusses the WHO goal of global elimination. Topics include migrant screening, the use of IGRA blood tests and the identification of at-risk populations.

Watch webinar
Insights on the development of a national health plan for TB

References:

1. World Health Organization. Refugee and migrant health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/refugee-and-migrant-health (accessed February 14, 2023)

2. WHO. WHO Operational handbook on tuberculosis. Module 1: Prevention. 2020.

3. US CDC. Tuberculosis: Technical instructions for panel physicians. https://www.cdc.gov/immigrant-refugee-health/hcp/panel-physicians/tuberculosis.html.

4. Lewinsohn, D.M. et al. (2017) Official American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Clinical Practice Guidelines: Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Adults and Children. Clin Infect Dis. 64, 111-115.