Tuberculosis and the relevance of sex- and gender-based analysis

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of mortality globally and particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Sex and gender interact with other social determinants to influence the burden of TB in different populations. The population groups at greater risk of TB are often also at greater risk for health disparities. Although evidence consistently shows that the burden of TB differs by sex, gender, economic, and other sociodemographic factors, there is however limited TB data that is disaggregated by these variables. In this chapter, we examine TB within the sex and gender analysis discourse and highlight that understanding and reporting TB within the sex and gender analysis framework is critical to ensure equity in addressing the TB disease burden with appropriate strategies. We conclude by recommending monitoring of gender-sensitive indicators that track underlying gender norms and expectations that drive inequalities in TB incidence and treatment outcomes.