The Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in Western Sudan during the Sudan War 2023-2024

Background: Tuberculosis is endemic in Sudan and has witnessed a major surge amid the country’s continuous conflict. The goal of this study is to analyze the epidemiological aspects of tuberculosis in Western Sudan from 2023 to 2024, during the Sudan War. Methodology: This is a retrospective descriptive study that was carried out at El-Obeid Teaching Hospital in North Kordofan State, Sudan, during August and September 2024. All information on tuberculosis patients diagnosed between 15 April 2023, and 15 April 2024, was obtained from the hospital. Results: The results showed that 71% of the 751 tuberculosis patients had pulmonary tuberculosis, while 29% had extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Among the 533 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 74.3% were male and 62% were female. Among the 218 patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis, 19% were males and 37.9% were females. The predominant age group for pulmonary tuberculosis was 19 - 25 years, followed by ≥46 and 26 - 35 years, with incidence rates of 25.3%, 25%, and 24.6%, respectively. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis was most prevalent in those aged ≥ 46 years, followed by those aged ≤ 18 years and 26 - 35 years, representing 38%, 18.3%, and 16%, respectively. Conclusion: Tuberculosis is prevalent in western Sudan and has seen a significant rise during the region’s conflict. Tuberculosis predominantly impacts individuals in their younger years. The heightened operations of conventional gold mining, coupled with the escalating urban air pollution, have markedly influenced the elevated epidemiological rates of the disease in Sudan. A significant number of individuals receive diagnoses and treatment at a delayed stage, potentially facilitating the propagation of infection.