Abstract:

Although significant achievements had been achieved in tuberculosis (TB) control in China, the global targets of the “End TB” by 2035 is still far from reach. The focus of TB control strategies shifting from “integration of prevention and treatment” to “prevention-oriented control” will be necessity in China. With the release and implementation of the Action Plan for Tuberculosis-Free Communities, active case finding (ACF) among key populations has become an important part of TB control work. It is worth exploring whether tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) could be integrated with ACF among these key populations. Our team conducted latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) epidemiological surveys and intervention studies among key populations in rural communities in Zhongmu County, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. After ten years of work, the notified TB incidence rate in Zhongmu County dropped from 85/100000 in 2013 to 19/100000 in 2023, the declining is faster than the average level in Zhengzhou City. The gradually formed “Zhongmu Model” during the implementation of research projects, featuring “ACT+TPT” in key populations, provides reference for establishing a new community-based intervention strategy. In the future, through more systematic and in-depth research, practice and optimization, the formation of integrated intervention strategy targeting key populations will accelerate the achievements of the “End TB” goals.

Key words: Tuberculosis, Public health surveillance, Active case finding, Antibiotic prophylaxis, Consensus development conference