A CURETB analysis found: 79% treatment completion after international relocation, with timelier linkage improving outcomes overall.
Continuity of Care for TB After Relocation
Patients with tuberculosis (TB) disease can face real barriers to staying on therapy when they relocate between countries, even though treatment commonly lasts at least 6 months and can extend beyond 2 years. In this CureTB Program evaluation spanning 2016–2023, public health officials examined referral outcomes and treatment completion for patients relocating to or from the United States. The central takeaway was consistent: continuity of care was achievable for most patients, and faster connection to destination services was associated with higher completion.
CureTB Referral Outcomes, 2016–2023
Across 6,944 referral requests received during the study period, more than half involved suspected TB and about one third involved confirmed TB. For confirmed TB disease, referrals were made for 1,741 patients. Most referrals supported people relocating to other countries, while a smaller proportion involved relocation to U.S. destinations. Referrals were not required for some individuals, and a minority could not be completed due to insufficient contact information to reach the patient.
Within 12 months of referral, 79% of referred patients completed TB treatment. Among the subset with data on when care began at the destination, treatment completion was highest when patients were linked to treatment within 30 days of departure. Completion declined as the time to linkage increased, though rates remained comparatively high even when care started later. These findings reinforce that continuity of care depends not only on referral mechanisms, but also on timely initiation of follow up in the destination setting.
Why Timely Linkage Matters
Incomplete TB treatment increases the risk of ongoing transmission and the emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis. This report suggests that practical steps that speed linkage, such as obtaining complete contact details and ensuring clinical documentation follows the patient, can support treatment completion for mobile populations.
Reference: Vera-Garcia C et al. Continuity of Care for Patients with Tuberculosis Relocating to Other Countries — CureTB Program, 2016–2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2026;75(3):34–40.
