Aim
The purpose of this viewpoint is to summarize the advantages and constraints of the tools and strategies available for reducing the annual incidence of TB by implementing the WHO End TB Strategy and the linked WHO TB Elimination Framework with special reference to Oman.
Methods
The case-study was built based on the presentations and discussions at an international workshop on TB elimination in low incidence countries organized by the Ministry of Health, Oman from the 5th to the 7th September 2019, and supported by the WHO and ESCMID.
Results
Existing tools were reviewed including screening migrants for LTBI with interferon-gamma release assays, IGRAs, clinical examination for active pulmonary TB, APTB, including chest X-rays, CXR, organization of laboratory service, the existing centers for mandatory health examination of pre-arrival or arriving migrants including examination for APTB. The need for public-private partnerships to handle the burden of screening arriving migrants for active TB was discussed at length and different models for financing were reviewed.
Conclusion
In a country with a high proportion of migrants from high endemic countries screening for LTBI has a high priority. Molecular typing and the development of public-private partnerships are needed.