Review article. Migration as a social determinant of the increased active TB and MDRTB incidents

Abstract

Background: Ukraine and R. Moldova report the biggest incidence of tuberculosis and the highest rate of migrants among European Region countries. For an average 1 bilion migrants, for whose this process - migration, is an effectively and immediately tool to reduce poverty, conflict and escape for improving the life condition for their families. Migrants are the backbone of health systems in all OECD countries and the safety valve in the global economy. On the other hand the migration is a big challenge, especially for the TB epidemiological security. At the most of migrants the risk for active TB developmen and the increase of multidrug resistant TB incidents. is correlated with social risk factors (low life conditions, overcrowding, disruption from the health care services), epidemiological risk factors (infectious contact) and biological features (young age, male sex, some physiological conditions, associated diseases). Risk factors association values more evident than the severity of an one risk factor. The review study was conducted using relevant scientific resourses. Conclusions. Despite of high trends of migration noted in the 20th centery the phemonen of migration as risk factor for TB development is low studied. Massive irregular emigrants automatically involves the reducing of the public health actions for providing the TB epidemiological security goals both hosting countries and country of origin, where is a high burden for TB, especially MDR-TB. Radiological and immunological screening in pre-departure is the most important procedure for decreasing of the rates of TB. Raising awareness among migrants about TB, emphasizing that diagnosis and treatment is free of charge and independent regarding migration status are important TB control actions. Considering high relevance of migration on the risk of TB development a TB national survey in the actual geopolitical context must be performed in both hosting countries and country of an origin.