Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global public health challenge, particularly in prisons, where inmates face a disproportionate burden. In Thailand, prisons are hotspots for both TB and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), with increased transmission risks from staff, visitors, and released inmates. This article aims to: 1) assess the current TB situation through intensified case finding and diagnosis in prisons; 2) identify social determinants of health that improve monitoring and treatment for TB; and 3) evaluate diagnosis and treatment success rates among inmates.

We used a mixed-methods approach, involving trained prison healthcare volunteers who administered a standardized questionnaire based on the International Standards for Tuberculosis Care (ISTC, 2014) and the Guidelines for Control of Tuberculosis in Prisons (2009). High-risk individuals were referred for confirmatory testing, including chest X-rays and sputum AFB tests, while confirmed cases received treatment in local hospitals until recovery or release.

From 2021 to 2024, we screened 351,737, 259,278, 280,921, and 359,154 new arrivals and existing inmates, achieving TB confirmation rates of 1.06%, 0.91%, 0.89%, and 0.90%. Our treatment success rate has consistently exceeded 90%. The Royal "Good Health, Good Heart" project, initiated under the patronage of His Majesty the King, aims for comprehensive TB and MDR-TB screening and treatment by 2030.

This initiative seeks to ensure nearly complete coverage in TB prevention and control, particularly for new arrivals, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies that consider social determinants of health to achieve the goal of "Ending TB by 2030.

Authors:
Pahurat Kongmuang Taisuwan, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
Sangduan Moonsom, Mahidol University, Thailand
Kraison Tohtabtiang, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Pahurat Kongmuang Taisuwan, Director of the SORDPC, DDC-MOPH, Thailand. She is responsible for addressing diseases and hazards associated with students in rural and mountainous areas, as well as within prison health programs.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pahurat-k-taisu-10a9b313

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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