Rural Populations: Stop TB Key Populations Brief

Global statistics indicate that the TB burden is more acute in urban areas. However, in countries where large portions of the population are rurally located and reside in extreme poverty, TB is dominant among rural dwellers. Poverty and limited access to health facilities and health workers significantly diminish the ability of people with TB who reside in rural areas to obtain timely diagnosis and treatment. Stigma and widespread lack of knowledge about TB are also more common in rural communities. Multiple strategies to overcome these barriers exist and should be implemented at scale. This guide provides an outline of the specific challenges faced by rural dwellers and how these challenges can be addressed.