Analysis of the Impact of Tuberculosis in Mine-Workers' Communities of Origin

This project aims to increase knowledge on the impact of tuberculosis in mine-workers' communities of origin to ultimately reduce the spread of the disease. Given that rates of tuberculosis among miners are 20 to 30 times that of the average population (as of 2010) and given that miners are often migrant labourers understanding the linkages between tuberculosis and the mining sector is key to stemming the spread of the disease overall. The project undertakes an analysis of the burden of tuberculosis in mine-workers' communities of origin based on in-country data collection. This high-level policy relevant analysis is key to making informed programming decisions and to mobilizing global resources. The analysis also outlines public-private partnership interventions which may be taken on by global health actors to address the challenge of tuberculosis in mining communities in a comprehensive fashion. The project has two phases: (1) consolidating available evidence and high-level analysis and mapping ongoing efforts identifying potential interventions; and (2) filling gaps with primary data broadening the list of interventions capturing best practices and estimating their potential costs.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) improved understanding of the impact of tuberculosis in the mining sector on communities in Southern Africa (Lesotho South Africa Swaziland and Zimbabwe); and (2) improved knowledge which includes identifying and costing of interventions to address the challenge of tuberculosis in affected communities.