A gender-focused qualitative study on health care-seeking behaviour and access to tuberculosis treatment among mobile populations from the Republic of Moldova

In the context of migration, the detection, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis continue to be a concern for both countries of origin, such as the Republic of Moldova, and those of destination. Unfortunately, the risks of tuberculosis associated with migration, and especially various vulnerabilities for migrants of different genders, have been insufficiently addressed by those involved in the migration process. The International Organization for Migration (IOM), through its programmes, contributes to the prevention, detection, and cross-border control of tuberculosis, by offering a wide range of services on diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, as well as various measures aimed at promoting public health, including health and well-being of the mobile population. The collection of additional data on TB, migrants, and gender dynamics is a crucial step in formulating more effective, evidence-based migrant health policies. Consequently, it is essential to develop tailored TB control policies to reduce the burden of TB in these groups and in the community at large, especially as migrants are at increased risk of developing and transmitting MDR TB.