Tuberculosis

• University of Sheffield Lead: Prof Pete Dodd
• UKHSA Lead: Dr Esther Robinson
• Imperial College London Deputy Lead: Prof Ellen Brooks Pollock
• UKHSA Deputy Lead: Dr Sharon Cox

Overview

Despite global progress, tuberculosis (TB) remains a pressing health issue in the UK—especially among migrants, people experiencing homelessness, and other underserved communities. This theme identifies effective and equitable strategies to reduce TB incidence and improve early detection and treatment pathways.

Key projects:

• Understanding and Addressing Barriers to TB Prevention 

We are engaging with people affected by TB, including those with experience of homelessness, the justice system, or asylum processes. We are also focusing on new migrants working in adult social care, to better understand what prevents early diagnosis and treatment.

• Improving Data for Better TB Care

We’re using routinely collected healthcare data to spot gaps and delays in care pathways. Insights from focus groups will help us interpret these patterns and identify where changes in service design could make a difference.

• Modelling Impact and Cost of New Interventions

By combining epidemiological, genomic and economic data, we are building models to test the potential impact of new approaches to screening, diagnosis and treatment. These models help ensure any future policy recommendations are grounded in real-world evidence.

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How is this theme relevant to UKHSA objectives?

This research theme supports UKHSA’s TB control strategy by identifying practical, cost-effective ways to improve early detection and reduce transmission, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach populations. The findings will inform national guidance, service design, and investment in TB services.

It also directly contributes to the UK’s TB Action Plan and the WHO's "The End TB Strategy", strengthening efforts to eliminate TB as a public health threat in line with national and global targets.