Drug-resistant tuberculosis in war and complex emergencies: jeopardising progress towards TB elimination and...

Nearly 300 million people globally require humanitarian assistance, primarily due to conflicts and complex emergencies (CE). Modern conflicts are increasingly prolonged, deadly and frequent, severely disrupting health systems and hindering the provision of quality tuberculosis (TB) care. Managing drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) in these settings is particularly challenging. War and post-war conditions could potentially amplify resistance. However, evidence on DR-TB in CE-affected countries remains scarce.

A scoping review, including grey literature and consultation with implementing agencies, was conducted to analyse published experiences worldwide in delivering DR-TB care in CE.

The review included 16 peer-reviewed articles and 11 reports. Countries affected by war exhibit multiple risk factors for amplifying TB resistance. DR-TB management in CE is ongoing, yet diagnostic access is limited, with notification rates below 20% of estimated cases. Treatment success rates among those diagnosed are comparable to global averages. Innovative approaches, such as molecular tests, shorter regimens and patient-centred approaches, have achieved higher success rates. Information on vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons, prisoners and children, remains minimal. Only one country had reliable information on DR-TB in prisoners (Iraq), accounting for one-third of the national resistant cohort. Most CE countries rely on external funding for DR-TB programmes.

Like in other infectious diseases, war significantly alters DR-TB dynamics in affected countries and bordering or refugee-hosting countries, threatening progress towards TB elimination and exacerbating the global antimicrobial resistance crisis. While innovations have improved the feasibility of DR-TB care in CE, access remains severely constrained. Identified risk factors, challenges and priorities underscore the need for expanded TB support and targeted research, particularly for vulnerable populations in CE scenarios.