The epidemiology of tuberculosis in the Pacific, 2000 to 2013
Date
2015
Authors
Viney, Kerri
Hoy, Damian
Roth, Adam
Kelly, Paul
Harley, David
Sleigh, Adrian
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World Health Organization (WHO Press)
Abstract
Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant public health challenge in the 22 Pacific island countries and territories.
Using TB surveillance data and World Health Organization (WHO) estimates from 2000 to 2013, we summarize the
epidemiology of TB in the Pacific.
Methods: This was a descriptive study of incident TB cases reported annually by Pacific island national TB programmes
to WHO. We counted cases and calculated proportions and case notification rates per 100 000 population. We calculated
the proportion of TB patients who completed TB treatment and summed estimates of national incidence, prevalence and
mortality, provided by WHO, to produce regional incidence, prevalence and mortality rates per 100 000 population.
Results: Estimated TB incidence in the Pacific has remained high but stable from 2000 to 2013; estimated prevalence
and mortality have fallen by 20% and 47%, respectively. The TB case notification rate increased by 58%, from 146 to 231
per 100 000 population in the same time period. In 2013, 24 145 TB cases were notified, most (94% or 22 657) were
from Papua New Guinea. Kiribati had the highest TB case notification rate at 398 cases per 100 000 population. TB case
notification rates were also high in Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu (309, 283 and 182, respectively).
Discussion: TB in the Pacific is improving in some areas; however, high rates affect many countries and the estimated
regional incidence rate is stable. To further reduce the burden of TB, a combination of dedicated public health and systemwide
approaches are required along with poverty reduction and social protection initiatives.
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Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
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Journal article
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Open Access
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