Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the region has the third-highest TB burden globally, with an estimated incidence rate of 120 cases per 100,000 population in 2019. In addition, the region has one of the highest rates of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) globally, with an estimated 20,000 cases in 2019.
Key populations, including refugees, migrants, prisoners, people living with HIV, people who use drugs, internally displaced people, LGBTQI+ are particularly vulnerable to TB in the MENA region. These populations often face social, economic, and political barriers to accessing health care services, including TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In addition, stigma and discrimination can prevent people from seeking TB care, further exacerbating the TB epidemic in the region.
To address this challenge, there is a need for practical guidance communities on how to effectively prevent, diagnose, and treat TB among key populations in the MENA region. The practical guide developed through this consultancy will aim to fill this gap by providing evidence-based recommendations and best practices for TB prevention and control among key populations in the MENA region and finally have a strong focus on how to engage TB key populations in Global Fund-related processes.
Objective:
The objective of this consultancy is to develop a practical guide on tuberculosis (TB) and key populations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The guide will aim to provide practical information and recommendations for community organization, CSOs, health care providers and policymakers working with key populations affected by TB in the MENA region.