Retaining Patients with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis on Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic — Dharavi, Mumbai, India, 2020–2022

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? Treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) takes longer and is more complicated than treatment for drug-susceptible tuberculosis. The Dharavi slum in Mumbai, India has one of the highest concentrations of DRTB patients in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted TB care and treatment. What is added by this report? During the pandemic, many persons with DRTB in Dharavi relocated, threatening continuity of care. Patient-focused interventions facilitated successful treatment retention and improved programmatic outcomes. What are the implications for public health practice? Planning and implementation of simple tools helped to retain migrants on DRTB treatment during periods of COVID-19 restrictions and relocations; this approach might aid programs to serve persons on treatment for DRTB during public health emergencies, including migrant populations. © 2023 Department of Health and Human Services. All rights reserved.