The impact of covid-19 on TB care in Pakistan during 2020

Abstract

Background: The objective is to determine the impact of lockdown in TB care services in Pakistan and to provide suggestion for future recommendations. 

Methods: Extensive literature review of published articles along with NTP reports was done. The TB case detection data for the year 2020 along with the impact of COVID-19 on TB infrastructure and resources were also reviewed. 

Results: There was a drop in the TB notification rate during 2020 due to COVID-19 and its ramifications on the Health Sector. Health care workers being on the frontline are more prone towards acquiring COVID-19, particularly with a marked deficiency of personal protective equipment (PPEs) that has had a demoralizing effect among health professionals. Besides this the diagnostic and treatment facilities for Tuberculosis were also interrupted badly.  

Conclusion: The lockdown has adversely affected the health services, particularly routine immunization and TB care services, including diagnosis and case notification which declined significantly. Moreover, upgradation of strategies for the provision of services will prove to be extremely beneficial for both COVID-19 and the people with Tuberculosis.