Tuberculosis in immigrants and visitors

Immigrants and visitors are a significant factor in the epidemiology of tub erculosis (TB) in New Zealand, accounting for an increasing proportion of n otifications in recent years. At present screening of immigrants from count ries with a high incidence of TB is inadequate. There are deficiencies in p rocedures, inadequate screening coverage, ineffectual coordination between the Ministry of Health and New Zealand Immigration Service, incomplete foll ow-up on those at risk of TB, confusion over financial responsibility, inad equate data to describe the problems and monitor interventions, and a lack of commitment to assistance with TB control in neighbouring countries from which some of our TB arises. We make recommendations in all of these areas. Timely screening of high-risk immigrants should be seen as health protecti on for ethnic minorities.