Published 2026-01-31
Keywords
- Impact, Stigma, Tuberculosis, Sub-saharan Africa.
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a critical public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where stigma emerges as a pervasive barrier that profoundly undermines disease management at every stage of the care cascade. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence from 30 recent studies conducted across multiple SSA countries to examine how stigma affects TB diagnosis, treatment adherence, and patient outcomes. The evidence reveals that TB-related stigma manifesting as anticipated, internalized, and enacted forms leads to delayed diagnosis, treatment interruption, non-disclosure of TB status, social isolation, and deteriorating mental health. Stigma is deeply intertwined with HIV co-infection, poverty, and inadequate health system responses. The review identifies critical gaps in current TB programs and proposes multi-level interventions including healthcare worker training, community education, integrated mental health support, and person-centered care models. Addressing TB stigma is essential for achieving the WHO's End TB Strategy goals in sub-Saharan Africa.