Russia’s invasion of Ukraine poses a threat to the control of drug-resistant TB in Europe and the world

In recent years, conflicts in Ethiopia, Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen have caused huge suffering. They have devastated the health and wellbeing of local populations and led to countless unnecessary deaths. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is showing the world, yet again, the abhorrent consequences of war.

As well as the direct casualties of these conflicts, yet more people will suffer illness and death due to disrupted health systems and lack of access to clean water, food, medicines or simply warmth and shelter. In these desperate conditions, control of infectious diseases breaks down. One such infectious disease is tuberculosis (TB).

Over 3 million people have fled Ukraine following Russia’s recent invasion. This follows extensive recent migrations from Syria, Afghanistan and Ethiopia, all of which have high MDR-TB prevalence. Such displacement is going to challenge public health responses.

Written for The Conversation by Tom Wingfield and Jessica Potter

Read here:
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine poses a threat to the control of drug-resistant TB in Europe and the world