Fuelling the tuberculosis epidemic: The role of tobacco control in ending the TB emergency.

BACKGROUND

Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is among the key targets for countries to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. In current times we are grappling with dual burden of tuberculosis as well as tobacco use.

METHODS

There is sufficient evidence to establish that tobacco smoking significantly spikes up the risk of acquiring, developing and death among tuberculosis patients. Active or passive exposure to tobacco smoke is significantly associated with tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis disease, independent of a large number of other potential confounders.

RESULTS

Despite having substantial evidence about the impact of tobacco control measures, particularly tobacco cessation, on TB outcomes, the integration of TB and tobacco control still remains far-off.

CONCLUSION

It is high time when TB control programs must begin to address tobacco control as a potential preventive intervention to combat colliding epidemics of tobacco and tuberculosis. This white paper discusses about the role of tobacco control in reaching the ambitious goal of ending TB epidemic by 2030.