Ireland’s TB Care Centre Faces Crisis as Cases Surge

The main centre for tuberculosis care in Ireland, located at St James’ Hospital in Dublin, has raised alarms over its inability to meet the rising demand for treatment as TB cases soar. The centre reported an alarming increase in cases, particularly among children, stating it had seen as many children under one year diagnosed with TB in 2024 as in the previous decade combined. The overall incidence of tuberculosis rose by 30% last year, necessitating immediate investment to tackle this escalating public health crisis.

Chief Operations Officer Aisling Collins emphasized that the service is currently operating at full capacity, struggling to manage the doubling of emergency reviews between 2023 and 2024. As urgent action is needed, the centre is calling for enhanced laboratory support, staffing, and improved infrastructure to effectively respond to the growing number of cases. Collins stated, “Alarmingly, TB cases in children under one year in 2024 equalled the total cases from the previous 10 years combined.”

Urgent Actions and Funding Needs

The centre has submitted multiple business cases to the Department of Health seeking additional funding to address the crisis. As an immediate measure, it has started operating a second clinic to assist in treating both active TB cases and individuals with latent TB, which refers to those carrying the bacteria without being infectious. While comprehensive data on latent TB rates in Ireland is limited, a small-scale study indicated that 3.5% of those tested were found to have it.

Collins pointed out that delays in diagnosis and treatment can have serious consequences for vulnerable populations, including those in prison and certain migrant communities. She cautioned, “Ireland is not on track to meet WHO End TB Strategy targets. Current resourcing falls short of national guidelines requiring immediate assessment of suspected TB cases.” The financial implications of failing to meet these targets could exceed €70 million, and the cost of treating a single patient with multiple-drug resistant TB can reach €68,000.

According to the World Health Organization, 1.25 million individuals died from tuberculosis in 2023, with the disease likely returning as the world’s leading cause of death from a single infectious agent following a three-year period dominated by the coronavirus.

Growing Demand and Systemic Challenges

Data from the Health Service Executive (HSE) indicates that there were 289 TB cases reported in Ireland last year, the highest number since 2018. In a response to a parliamentary inquiry by Colm Burke, a member of the opposition party Fine Gael, Collins discussed the pressures facing the Irish Mycobacteria Reference Laboratory, which is also at full capacity and unable to meet the increasing demand for rapid diagnostics.

Burke described the reported figures, especially regarding children’s illnesses, as “frightening.” He attributed part of the rising numbers to individuals arriving from countries with inadequate health resources and the challenges posed by high-density living conditions in limited housing. Burke stressed the need for immediate funding, sharing the story of a constituent in Blackpool, Cork City, whose child was hospitalized due to respiratory issues linked to damp conditions in substandard rental housing.

The current public health crisis surrounding tuberculosis in Ireland underscores an urgent need for systemic change and resources to combat this potentially deadly disease effectively. As the situation develops, stakeholders are calling for coordinated efforts to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the care they need and that Ireland can meet its international health commitments.