Tuberculosis, Fiji, 2002–2013

Abstract

During 2002–2013, a total of 1,890 tuberculosis cases were recorded in Fiji. Notification rates per 100,000 population increased from 17.4 cases in 2002 to 28.4 in 2013. Older persons were most affected, but tuberculosis also increased sharply in persons 25–44 years of age.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of illness and death globally (1,2). Fiji, which comprises 332 islands and a total land area of 18,333 km², is located in the center of the South Pacific. In 2013, Fiji’s Ministry of Health estimated a population of 882,860 persons. The public health system is organized into 4 divisions, 20 subdivisions, and 80 medical areas. The National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) was established in 1951 and in 1997 adopted the directly observed treatment strategy (DOTS). The 3 DOTS centers are P.J. Twomey, covering Central and Eastern Divisions; Labasa, covering Northern Division; and Lautoka, covering Western Division.

In 2012, per 100,000 population, reported TB incidence in Fiji was 24 (95% CI 21–27) cases, prevalence was 30 (95% CI 10–61), and the case-fatality rate was 1.7 (3,4). To assess the status of TB epidemiology in Fiji and identify areas of intervention, we used surveillance data to retrospectively analyze trends in TB cases reported by the NTP from 2002 through 2013.

Below:  National tuberculosis case notification rates (2002–2013) and by division (2005–2013), Fiji. Rates are number of cases per 100,000 population

Full article at:   http://goo.gl/dZWqoi

By:  Lorenzo Pezzoli , Shakti Gounder, Talatoka Tamani, Mary Raori Daulako, Frank Underwood, Sakiusa Mainawalala, Vasiti Nawadra-Taylor, Eric Rafai, and Laura Gillini

Author affiliations: Epidemiology Consultant, Suva, Fiji (L. Pezzoli); Ministry of Health, Suva (S. Gounder, T. Tamani, M.R. Daulako, F. Underwood, S. Mainawalala, E. Rafai, V. Nawadra-Taylor); World Health Organization, Suva (L. Gillini)

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