Selangor's New TB Strategy Targets High-Risk Groups for Faster Control
The Selangor government is bolstering its tuberculosis (TB) screening and treatment programs with a more targeted approach. Instead of broad mandatory checks, authorities are focusing on high-risk groups and affected areas to utilize resources more effectively. This shift aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Public Health Consensus 2026.
The new strategy prioritizes active case detection in localities with higher infection rates. Once identified, patients are isolated and treated to prevent further spread. Monitoring continues throughout the treatment period to ensure compliance and break the chain of transmission.
The WHO advises screening in populations where TB prevalence exceeds 0.5 per cent. However, mandatory checks alone are not enough. For such measures to work, guarantees of treatment access and job security must be in place. Without these, hidden transmission risks remain.
High-risk groups, including heavy smokers and diabetics, face a three times greater chance of developing active TB due to weakened immunity. The targeted approach aims to protect these vulnerable individuals while optimizing medical resources.
Success depends on cooperation from employers, communities, and healthcare providers. The Selangor government has emphasized inclusivity and precision in its efforts to control the disease.
The targeted screening method replaces broader mandatory checks, focusing on areas and groups most at risk. By combining detection, isolation, and treatment, authorities aim to reduce TB transmission more efficiently. The approach also ensures that medical support reaches those who need it most.
