Lessons From Tuberculosis Control for COVID-19: Screening Should Be Universal

Abstract

Since World War II, a tradition of fighting infectious diseases had proven its worth in stopping chains of contamination and controlling diseases. Contradicting this tradition, the choices made in France regarding the COVID-19 pandemic failed to prevent deaths and protect the most exposed populations. Workers, in particular, are the victims of this failure. Based on the experience of tuberculosis control, this article shows that another strategy is not only possible, but crucial to overcome such epidemic.