Tuberculosis in Solomon Islands: why declining case notifications may not reflect true incidence

Author: Dylan M Bush ¹ ; Alice Siuna Waneoroa ² ; Emire Meone Maefiti ² ; Thomas H Fitzpatrick ³ ; Elizabeth Wore ² ; Slivia S Chiang ^{4
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Author Information

1. Division of Biology and Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
2. National Referral Hospital, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honiara, Solomon Islands
3. World Health Organization Representative Office for the Solomon Islands, Honiara, Solomon Islands
4. Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
5. Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: tuberculosis, Melanesia, contact tracing, communicable disease
From: Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2024;15(3):43-44
CountryWHO-WPRO
Language:English
Abstract: Interpretation of tuberculosis (TB) surveillance data in Solomon Islands between 2016 and 2022 should be informed by local conditions, including pandemic disruptions in contact tracing. The TB surveillance data recently reported by Yanagawa et al. has features indicative of underdiagnosis. We thus advise caution in the interpretation of this data.
Full text:2024120909351277854wpsar-15-1174.pdf