Impact of COVID-19 on the control and reorganization of tuberculosis care

Objective: To identify scientific evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis care and control. Methods: Scoping review conducted in June 2020 in the following databases: Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cinahl and Scopus; and Opengrey - grey literature. The descriptors used in the search were: coronavirus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 and tuberculosis. The selection process was performed by two independent reviewers using the Rayyan platform with the inclusion of 30 studies. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on tuberculosis control and the main challenges arising from it are related to the influence of social distancing on diagnosis, follow-up and adherence to treatment, including the reorganization of tuberculosis services, mainly as a result of the necessary mobilization of health teams working in the area for the care of COVID-19. Limited access to inputs and health services was also registered, which occurred similarly in relation to other health problems, thereby showing programmatic vulnerability. The effects of the pandemic in the social dimension that contributed to increase the social vulnerability also stand out. Conclusion: Many challenges have been posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with regard to maintaining tuberculosis control actions. We expect this review will contribute to support new studies and implement public policies aimed at confronting both diseases.