A new report by the Light Consortium recommends the adoption of a gender-responsive approach to combat tuberculosis (TB), highlighting the significant role gender plays in determining health, social, and economic outcomes.
The study, presented during a World TB Day media café in Nairobi, reveals that men face substantial barriers in accessing TB prevention and care, often leading to worse health outcomes and continued transmission of the disease.
According to the study, in 2021, men accounted for 57percent of TB cases globally, while women made up 33percent, and children 11percent. Alarmingly, men represented two-thirds of the 4.2 million people who developed TB but were not diagnosed or notified.
“Strong evidence suggests that men face significant obstacles when seeking TB prevention and care across different cultural settings,” the report states. “These barriers often result in worse health and socio-economic outcomes.”
Edel Sakwa of the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), who presented the study, emphasized the need for equitable access to TB services.
“People of different genders face unique challenges that require targeted solutions,” Sakwa said. “Addressing gender disparities in TB is crucial to reducing transmission, alleviating the burden on caregivers, and easing household economic pressures.”
The report identifies cultural and gendered norms—such as perceptions of masculinity, stigma, and misconceptions—as key factors preventing men from seeking healthcare. Many men delay reporting symptoms due to fear of appearing weak, which leads to late diagnosis and treatment.
“When men avoid seeking medical help, TB transmission continues within communities, including to women and children,” the report warns.
Call for Gender-Responsive Policies and Partnerships
The study calls on policymakers, funding agencies, and TB programs to invest in evidence-based gender-responsive strategies throughout the TB care continuum. It stresses the need for partnerships among key stakeholders, including policymakers, parliamentarians, researchers, affected communities, and civil society organizations.
“Generating new evidence and implementing gender-sensitive policies can significantly improve men’s access to quality TB prevention and care,” the report notes. “This will lead to reduced TB-related morbidity and mortality, as well as lower transmission rates in communities.”
The study also recommends the collection of sex-disaggregated data and the use of gender-based analyses to address gaps in TB programs.
“Sex-disaggregated data will help tailor interventions that effectively reduce gender-based disparities in TB prevention and treatment,” the report concludes.
