Tuberculosis Prevention and Control in Mountainous Indigenous Areas: Insights from Maolin District, Kaohsiung City, 2019–2023

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202510_41(20).0001

Hsiang-Wei Chen^*, Min-Nan Hung, Chyi-Mei Lai, Ching-Li Lin, Hui-Chen Lin, Ming-Chang Lin

2025 Vol.41 NO.20

Correspondence Author： Hsiang-Wei Chen^*

Abstract：

        Mountain indigenous areas face disproportionately high tuberculosis (TB) incidence rates due to their remote locations and limited medical resources. Active TB detection in these regions primarily relies on mobile chest X-ray screenings, which facilitate early diagnosis and treatment for individuals with abnormal findings. For those in inaccessible locations or unable to undergo chest X-rays due to immobility, alternative methods combining a "TB Risk and Symptoms Questionnaire" with sputum testing are employed. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, as some individuals either participate irregularly or abstain entirely from screening programs. Addressing these gaps is crucial to advancing TB control and ensuring equitable access to healthcare in these underserved communities.
        From 2019 to 2023, the Maolin District Health Center, in collaboration with public and private sectors, implemented targeted TB screening initiatives. These efforts included organizing screening sessions and leveraging community resources to integrate disease awareness into daily life. The primary objectives were to enhance public participation in screening, strengthen TB prevention and control measures, and improve active case detection. By identifying undiagnosed TB cases within the community, these initiatives significantly reduced TB incidence in mountain indigenous areas.
        The TB prevention and control efforts in Maolin District achieved exceptional results, including the highest screening rate for active detection programs nationwide and an annual decline in TB incidence, ultimately achieving zero cases. This article highlights the experiences of the Mountain Indigenous TB Active Detection Program implemented in Maolin District, Kaohsiung City, from 2019 to 2023. These insights offer a valuable reference for developing effective TB prevention and control strategies in other mountain indigenous regions nationwide.