Francisco M. Duarte-Duarte, Escuela de Salud Pública, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo, República Dominicana
Miguel Á. Ortiz-Gil, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto., México; Fundación Universitaria Iberoamericana (FUNIBER), Ciudad de México, México
Mónica I. Cardona-Alvarado, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Guanajuato, Gto., Guanajuato, México
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, tuberculosis had shown a sustained decline in incidence both in Latin America and globally. However, the health crisis drastically altered this trend, causing setbacks in case detection, notification, and treatment continuity. This essay aims to analyze the behavior of key tuberculosis indicators before, during, and after the pandemic, and to propose effective strategies for its control in contexts of high social vulnerability. Significant variations in incidence, treatment coverage, and mortality are identified across the three periods, highlighting the need to reconsider intervention approaches. Among the recommended strategies are the reactivation of directly observed treatment led by nursing professionals, the strengthening of primary healthcare services, and the integration of digital tools for community-based follow-up. The role of medical and nursing personnel is crucial for timely diagnosis, treatment adherence, and health education. An intersectoral approach, focused on equity and community participation, will be essential to advancing the control and elimination of tuberculosis.
Keywords: Tuberculosis. Epidemiological behavior. Pandemic. Latin America.