Mapping Tuberculosis in Africa Reveals Disease Hotspots for Better Targeted Interventions

Recent research from Curtin University and The Kids Research Institute Australia has developed detailed maps of tuberculosis (TB) prevalence across Africa, which could significantly enhance efforts in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this infectious disease. Published in the journal Communications Medicine, the study utilized data from over 50 surveys involving more than 1.5 million individuals examined for TB in 14 African countries. The researchers divided these countries into 5 square kilometer grids to identify areas with higher disease concentration, commonly referred to as hotspots.

The study’s lead, Ph.D. candidate Alemneh Liyew, emphasized the importance of local-level data; until now, understanding of TB distribution within countries has been limited. These granular maps reveal dramatic variations in disease burden between neighboring regions, influenced by factors such as temperature, rainfall, altitude, and urban accessibility. Such insights are crucial for directing health resources more effectively toward communities that need them most.

Associate Professor Kefyalew Alene highlighted that although these findings are Africa-specific, their underlying methodology could be applied internationally to identify disease patterns. He pointed out that move away from traditional broad national strategies to targeted, locality-specific interventions could be more effective, especially in resource-limited settings. The goal of these targeted efforts aligns with the World Health Organization's aim to reduce TB-related deaths by 95% by 2035.

Overall, this innovative approach demonstrates how geographic precision in disease mapping can improve the fight against TB by enabling health authorities to allocate resources more efficiently and ultimately save lives.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-tuberculosis-disease-hotspots-treatment.html