Not Gone but Often Forgotten: Action Needed to Address Tuberculosis in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.

Abstract

Tuberculosis is often perceived as a disease of the past in Australia, yet ongoing transmission persists in some jurisdictions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to experience a disproportionate burden. Drawing on lived experience and community perspectives, we highlight challenges navigating tuberculosis care and opportunities to strengthen prevention and care. Achieving tuberculosis elimination requires more than biomedical tools alone. Earlier diagnosis, culturally responsive and community-led approaches, strengthened Aboriginal health workforces and action on social and structural determinants are needed to ensure tuberculosis is addressed rather than forgotten in Australia.