Tuberculosis in Sudan: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Epidemiological Trends, Diagnosis, Drug Resistance, Challenges, and Data Gaps.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of tuberculosis (TB) in Sudan, focusing on prevalence, drug resistance patterns, and associated challenges while identifying knowledge gaps in scientific research and data needed for effective management.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar without language or date restrictions. Thirty-two studies and TB notification data from 2009 to 2025 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 32 studies, 41% (13/32) addressed TB prevalence and 59% (19/32) explored drug resistance. Kassala State reported the highest pulmonary TB prevalence (70%), while Khartoum had 17%. Drug-resistant TB was more prevalent in Khartoum (41.5%) than Kassala (21.4%). Only 23 studies examined HIV coinfections. TB notifications declined from 209 per 100,000 in 2009 to 10 per 100,000 in 2019 but increased to 50 per 100,000 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were lacking for Sudan's western states. Because of the Sudan war, in 2024, 14,310 cases were reported.

CONCLUSION

This review underlines the scarcity of TB research in Sudan and highlights the urgent need for an integrated health information system to generate accurate, updated data for timely interventions.