A call to action: impact of climate change on TB and recovery after TB

Dear Editor,

TB morbidity and mortality remain high, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).¹ Environmental and climate-related factors, including inequality, poverty, overcrowding, inadequate ventilation and housing, and food and water insecurity, directly and indirectly increase susceptibility to TB.² These factors not only worsen the clinical and financial burden among those affected but also contribute to increased transmission. These problems are further exacerbated in LMICs due to highly strained health systems, affecting the cost and quality of TB care. With growing recognition of asymptomatic TB, post-TB lung disease (PTLD), and other long-term TB-related sequelae, the health and socio-economic consequences associated with TB will likely become greater with increased global climate change.