journée nationale de la tuberculose

National Tuberculosis Day: March 25, 2022

Santé publique France is participating in National Tuberculosis Day, co-organized with the Directorate General for Health and the National Reference Center for Tuberculosis at the Ministry of Health, in the Laroque Amphitheater. Geneviève Chêne, Director General of Santé publique France, and Grégory Emery, Deputy Director General of the Directorate General for Health, will deliver the opening remarks.

In the regions

Explore our public health bulletins, which outline the key epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis in each region.

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Tuberculosis: A Day to Raise Awareness About the Need to Combat This Disease

World Tuberculosis Day is an annual event held on March 24, with the goal of raising public awareness about the need to effectively combat this major endemic disease.
On this occasion, clinicians, biologists, nurses, social workers, professionals responsible for patient management and surveillance, and representatives from civil society organizations come together to share information and their national, regional, and local experiences. These exchanges help raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the benefits of surveillance and the need to strengthen it.

Tuberculosis: Highlights of National Tuberculosis Day on March 25, 2022

Every two years since 2007, National Tuberculosis Day has been organized jointly by Santé publique France, the Directorate General for Health, and the National Reference Center for Tuberculosis. This year, for the first time, the event will take place in a hybrid format and has over 400 registered participants.

During the event, a tribute will be paid to Professor Wladimir Sougakoff (CNR).

Four sessions are scheduled:

  • the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis,

  • a presentation of the new missions of the CLATs,

  • screening and care for vulnerable populations,

  • tuberculosis prevention and control.

The day will conclude with remarks from the three co-organizing bodies.

  • Learn more about the event

Tuberculosis: Key Figures in France and Around the World

Global Situation

Tuberculosis remains a common disease worldwide, with an estimated 10 million new cases each year, according to the WHO, and nearly 1.5 million deaths. In 2020, however, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of reported cases dropped significantly.
The distribution of the disease is uneven, with cases concentrated in 30 countries in Asia and Africa, which account for nearly 90% of global cases.

Tuberculosis in France in 2020

In France, the incidence of tuberculosis has dropped significantly over the past few decades, with a current reported rate of less than 10 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year. This rate is now considered low, despite regional and demographic disparities that are sometimes very significant. In 2020, the number of reported tuberculosis cases was 4,606, representing a reported rate of 6.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

The incidence of tuberculosis is higher in certain territories (Mayotte, French Guiana, Île-de-France) and among certain population groups such as people experiencing homelessness (170 cases per 100,000 per year), prisoners (64 cases per 100,000 per year), and people born outside France (34 cases per 100,000 per year).

Tuberculosis by Region in 2020

To mark National Tuberculosis Day, the regional units of Santé publique France are publishing public health bulletins presenting the main epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis in each region.

What key takeaways can we draw from this data?

Recent French surveillance data reveal two key findings:

  • a significant decline (10%) in the incidence of tuberculosis observed in 2020;

  • a decline that contrasts with the general trend of a slow and steady decrease in tuberculosis reporting rates, averaging 1.7% per year over the past 30 years.

This finding could be explained by several factors:

  • a real decrease in the transmission of the bacillus linked to preventive measures and lockdowns;

  • a decrease in tuberculosis diagnoses due to lower patient attendance at healthcare facilities;

  • a reduction in active case-finding of secondary cases by teams at tuberculosis control centers, which had to focus their efforts on pandemic-related activities.

e-DO : Online reporting of tuberculosis

logo e-do

Santé publique France is responsible for ensuring and coordinating tuberculosis surveillance in France. This surveillance is based on mandatory reporting and relies on a network of partners. Following the implementation of online HIV/AIDS reporting in 2016, the tuberculosis e-reporting project (“e-DO tuberculosis”) aims to modernize tuberculosis reporting using a digital tool that is easier to use, more secure, and more efficient.

The system was first implemented in 2019 within regional health agencies and will soon be available in 2022 to reporters and all surveillance stakeholders (laboratories, ARS, CLAT, CNR-tuberculosis, Santé publique France).
It contributes to the collection of high-quality data that will enable monitoring of trends in the disease’s incidence and informing health authorities.

Various guidance and support tools are available:

  • user training;

  • access to tele-advisors;

  • a hotline for any questions;

  • connection assistance tools available on the Santé publique France website: instructional tutorials, demonstration videos…

Tuberculosis

thematic dossier

Tuberculosis is a contagious disease that primarily affects the lungs. It is spread through the air. The BCG vaccine given to children primarily protects against severe forms of the disease.

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