MOH updates TB clinical guidelines for 2024

Singapore saw a decrease in new TB cases in 2023 compared to 2022.

The Ministry of Health updated the Singapore Tuberculosis Clinical Management Guidelines in March 2024 to provide evidence-based care tailored to the local context. 

Singapore reiterates its commitment to combat tuberculosis (TB) alongside the global community on World TB Day, adhering to the WHO's theme for 2024: "Yes! We Can End TB!" Globally, TB remains a significant public health threat, with over 10.6 million cases and 1.3 million deaths reported in 2022. Additionally, there were approximately 410,000 cases of multi-drug resistant or rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB) with a treatment success rate of 63%.

Locally, Singapore saw a decrease in new TB cases in 2023 compared to 2022, with 1,201 new cases reported. The incidence rate was 28.9 cases per 100,000 population. 

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Older age groups and males constituted a substantial proportion of these cases. TB screening and treatment are prioritized under the National TB Programme, ensuring early detection, treatment, and prevention of transmission.

Renaming the TB Control Unit and TB Contact Clinic to the National TB Care Centre and National TB Screening Centre respectively is underway, without affecting service provision. Support for TB patients is crucial for treatment adherence and completion, with the full course lasting six to nine months. 

Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) remains integral and available at all polyclinics and through outreach programs. Preventing TB transmission involves early medical attention for symptoms like cough and screening for contacts. Everyone contributes to preventing TB spread, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility in public health.