Towards the elimination of tuberculosis in a developing country: 25 years of tuberculosis control in Oman.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse trends of tuberculosis (TB) in Oman (1981-2005) in relation to the socio-economic development of the country.

METHODS

Data were used from the National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP). Information on TB cases' age, sex and type were obtained from the national book (1981-1991) and the computer database (1992-2005).

RESULTS

TB notification rates among Omani nationals declined by more than 85% from 1981 to 1995. During the period 1981-1993, the TB notification rate declined by around 15% per year, compared to only 3.6% per year in subsequent years. Males and the age group > or = 50 years have higher rates than females and younger age groups, respectively. Non-nationals contributed 21% of all TB cases notified and 40% of all smear-positive cases. Of cases among nationals notified between 2004 and 2005, 95% had a family income lower than the national average.

CONCLUSION

Although TB notification in Oman has declined by more than 85% over the last 25 years, the decline has slowed down over the last 10 years, requiring a detailed analysis of existing TB control measures and implementation of additional measures for TB elimination.