As the war in Ukraine continues to displace millions, the World Health Organization (WHO) is actively supporting health authorities in Ukraine and Poland to address a growing concern: the rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases, particularly multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), among refugee populations.
🚨 Rising Risk of MDR-TB Among Displaced Populations
Ukraine has long struggled with a high burden of TB. Prior to the war, it held the second-highest TB incidence rate in Europe, and its national health system had developed strong strategies for diagnosis and treatment. However, the conflict has severely disrupted healthcare delivery and increased transmission risks due to population displacement and overcrowded living conditions.
Poland, by contrast, previously reported a low incidence of TB and limited exposure to MDR-TB. Since the influx of refugees, however, the situation has evolved dramatically.
“Previously, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis was not a major problem. The outbreak of the war has changed this,”
— Dr. Stefan Wesołowski, Director General, Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Poland
Poland has now documented over 100 cases of MDR-TB, representing a threefold increase compared to pre-war figures.
🧬 What Is Tuberculosis?
TB is a highly infectious bacterial disease primarily affecting the lungs. It is transmitted through airborne droplets and can remain latent or progress to active disease. TB remains the second deadliest infectious disease globally, following COVID-19, infecting around 10 million people annually and causing 1.5 million deaths.
MDR-TB occurs when the TB bacteria become resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin, the two most powerful first-line anti-TB drugs. It requires longer, more complex treatment regimens and poses a significant challenge to health systems.
🏥 Coordinated International Response
Recognizing the risk posed by TB transmission among displaced populations, WHO has prioritized TB containment and continuity of care since the early stages of the crisis.
“When people fled the war in Ukraine, there was a need to guarantee access to continuous treatment for TB and ensure rapid diagnosis for new cases,”
— Dr. Nino Berdzuli, WHO Special Envoy for Ukraine Emergency Response
WHO Europe is working in close partnership with Polish and Ukrainian authorities to:
👩👩👧👦 Supporting Vulnerable Populations
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, approximately 4 million people have sought refuge in Poland. Of these, around 1 million remain in the country, many of whom are women, children, and elderly individuals—populations often more vulnerable to disease outbreaks due to stress, weakened immunity, and interrupted healthcare access.
“WHO Europe is working shoulder to shoulder with both Polish authorities and healthcare institutions to contain TB and protect communities at risk,”
— Dr. Berdzuli
📌 Why It Matters
The coordinated efforts between WHO, Ukraine, and Poland underscore the importance of international cooperation in public health emergencies, particularly when dealing with infectious diseases among displaced populations.
The situation also highlights the need for:
📝 Source
Euronews. (2023, September 22). WHO works with Ukraine and Poland to deal with increase in TB cases. Retrieved from https://www.euronews.com/2023/09/22/who-works-with-ukraine-and-poland-to-deal-with-increase-in-tb-cases
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