PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.18 No.11, March 20, 2025 Article TypeOriginal ArticlesPolicy NotesQuickStatsReview & PerspectiveSummarySurveillance Reports

• Original Articles 2025-03-20

  0 437 228

  Evaluation of Management and Compliance in Smoke-free Zones: A Case Study of Wando-gun

  Jung-Hee Kim , Sun-Seog Kweon

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(11): 481-490 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.11.1

  Abstract

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  Despite the continuous expansion of smoke-free zones in the Republic of Korea, data on their management and compliance remain insufficient. This study examined the management of designated smoke-free areas on inland and island areas within Wando county, South Jeolla province, Republic of Korea, assessing whether smokefree signage complied with the National Health Promotion Act and investigating actual on-site smoking. A survey conducted in Wando-gun, a rural island region with 125 smoke-free zones (6.6% of 1,906 zones in total), revealed that 12.8% of these zones had a poorly managed smoke-free zone signage. Smoking noncompliance rate within the zones was 48.8%, with no significant differences between inland and island areas. Because designating smoke-free zones remains the core strategy for reducing secondhand smoke exposure, it is imperative to establish a comprehensive monitoring system to evaluate the management, effectiveness, and awareness of, and compliance in such zones.

• QuickStats 2025-03-20

  0 274 221

  Trend in the Rate of Limited Oral Function, 2014–2023

  Gyeongji Woo

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(11): 491-492 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.11.2

  

  

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• Summary 2025-03-20

  0 464 261

  Commemorating the 15th Tuberculosis Prevention Day: Challenges and Achievements of Republic of Korea’s Tuberculosis Control Policies

  Young-Joon Park *

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(Suppl 11): S1-S5

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• Surveillance Reports 2025-03-20

  1 950 287

  Tuberculosis Notification Status in the Republic of Korea, 2024

  Hyewon Lee , Jinsun Kim , Jieun Kim , Young-Joon Park , Hyeran Jeong , Hyeongyu Kim , Jeonghwan Shin , Hyunjung Ahn , Eunyoung Lee , Ahhyeon Jang , Soojin Park , Sukyeong Park , Jeonghyeun Lee , Yujin Kim , Gahee Kim , Gyuri Park , Boyeong Choi , Younghwa Kim , Suhwan You , Jeeyeon Kim , Soonyoung Seo , Chieeun Song , Jiyeon Han , Ahyoung Park , Jaetae Kim , Heejung Han , Miri Jang , Jiae Shim , Seongju Choi , Sunmi Han , Youngseok Park , Jeewoun Kim , Jaeil Yoo , Junyoung Kim , SeongWook Pyo , YoungMi Kim , JeongSeob Lee , MinJi Lee

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(Suppl 11): S6-S22

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infectious disease that is preventable and curable. In the Republic of Korea (ROK), it is designated as a Class 2 infectious disease and is managed. This study aims to describe the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of TB cases in ROK in 2024.
  Methods: The TB incidence in ROK was compiled based on the annual report on the notified tuberculosis in 2024 and the microdata from 2022 to 2024. The TB incidence rate was calculated using the mid-year registered resident population, the number of foreign residents, and the population covered by medical insurance.
  Results: In 2024, the number of TB cases in the ROK was 17,944 (35.2 cases per 100,000 population), a decrease of 8.2% from 2023 (n=19,540, 38.2 cases per 100,000 population). Among TB cases aged 65 years and older, 10,534 were reported in 2024, a decrease of 6.9% from 2023 (n=11,309). However, the proportion of TB cases aged 65 and older increased to 58.7% (an increase of 0.8% point compared with 2023), continuing an upward trend since 2000. The number of TB cases who are foreigners in 2024 was 1,077, a decrease of 2.7% from 2023 (n=1,107), but the proportion of foreign TB cases increased to 6.0% from 5.7% in 2023.
  Conclusions: In 2024, the number of TB cases in the ROK decreased by 8.2% compared to 2023. However, the proportion of elderly TB cases aged 65 and older and foreign TB cases increased. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency keeps implementing TB prevention and control programs for high-risk groups and vulnerable populations to address emerging challenges.

• Surveillance Reports 2025-03-20

  1 488 230

  Five-year Trends in the Results of Tuberculosis Contact Investigations in Congregate Settings, 2019–2023

  Jeewoun Kim , Jieun Kim , Jiae Shim , Seongju Choi , Young-Joon Park *

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(Suppl 11): S23-S38

  

  

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  Objectives: The tuberculosis (TB) incidence rate in the Republic of Korea is the second highest among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, with a particularly high risk of secondary transmission in congregate settings. This study has analyzed TB cases and contact characteristics in congregate settings from 2019 to 2023 in order to propose management strategies based on the observed trends.
  Methods: Epidemiological data from the Korea Tuberculosis Network System were analyzed for TB cases reported in congregate settings between 2019 and 2023. This study has examined major settings, such as schools and social welfare facilities, and has assessed the number of cases reported each year, characteristics of contacts, secondary cases, and latent TB infection (LTBI) trends.
  Results: The number of TB cases in congregate settings decreased from 8,045 in 2019 to 6,205 in 2023, with an average annual reduction of 6.3%. Cases in schools declined significantly by 58.2% (from 514 in 2019 to 215 in 2023), whereas those in social welfare facilities increased (from 925 in 2019 to 1,038 in 2023). This increase was linked to the growing proportion of elderly contacts in social welfare facilities.
  Conclusions: Elderly contacts are at a higher risk of developing TB owing to their immunosuppression and comorbidities, making their management increasingly critical. Since 2023, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has strengthened LTBI screening for contacts aged 65 years and older and has recommended risk-adjusted interventions to enhance TB prevention among the elderly.

• Surveillance Reports 2025-03-20

  2 465 237

  Molecular Epidemiological Analysis of Tuberculosis Transmission in Households in Republic of Korea, 2016–2024

  YoungMi Kim , JeongSeob Lee , MinJi Lee , Jiae Shim , Seongju Choi , Jieun Kim , Seong Wook Pyo , DongHyeok Kim , Jaeil Yoo

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(Suppl 11): S39-S54

  

  

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  Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infectious disease transmitted through droplets from coughing or sneezing. The risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection is high among close contacts sharing living or working spaces with patients with TB. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency conducts close contact investigations targeting household contacts to prevent TB spread through early detection and treatment. As part of these investigations, TB strain genotyping is performed to analyze the molecular epidemiological links. Methods: From 2016 to 2024, the epidemiological information and molecular epidemiological characteristics of 20 suspected cases of household transmission involving 43 individuals were analyzed following their identification through investigations. Spoligotyping and 24-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat were used for TB genotyping. Results: Each case of suspected intrafamilial TB transmission involved 2–3 patients, including parent-child (15 cases), sibling (4 cases), and cohabitant (1 case) transmissions. At the time of index notification, 12 cases (60%) involved cohabitation, while 7 cases (35%) did not. The time difference between the index and additional case notifications ranged from 2 to 2,241 (average 291) days. The TB genotyping results confirmed molecular epidemiological links between each suspected case. Among the 20 cases, 5 cases (involving 10 individuals) presented drug-resistant TB, with 4 cases of multidrug-resistant TB and 1 of extensively drug-resistant TB. Drug resistance profiles were consistent within each case. Conclusions: Based on the TB genotyping and contact investigations, cases of TB transmission within the household appear to have epidemiological links. To support the national TB control efforts, we plan to continue molecular epidemiological analyses of household transmission and outbreak cases.

• Surveillance Reports 2025-03-20

  1 2903 483

  Review of the Global Burden of Tuberculosis in 2023: Insights from the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2024

  Hyewon Lee , Jinsun Kim , Jieun Kim , Young-Joon Park

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(Suppl 11): S55-S69

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the airborne Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), requires a treatment of minimum 6 months. About a quarter of the world’s population is infected with Mtb. Globally in 2023, an estimated 10.8 million people fell ill with TB. This report accounts for TB incidence and mortality in 2023 in the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries, and globally, based on the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024.
  Methods: This report refers to a writing extracted the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 and analyzed using data downloaded from the World Health Organization (WHO) website.
  Results: In 2023, the global TB incidence reached 10.8 million (134 cases per 100,000), and a 0.9% increase from 10.7 million in 2022. TB deaths decreased by 5.3%, falling to 1.25 million from 1.32 million the previous year. The ROK reported a TB incidence rate of 38 cases per 100,000 population and a mortality rate of 3 people per 100,000 population in 2023. Among the 38 OECD member countries, the ROK ranked second in TB incidence and fifth in TB mortality.
  Conclusions: In the WHO’s End TB strategy, which targets a 50% reduction in TB incidence and a 75% reduction in TB deaths by 2025 (relative to 2015 levels), the ROK has achieved a 51.9% reduction in TB incidence and a 44.4% reduction in TB deaths by 2023. The ROK enters the aging population, and has increased TB incidence aged 65 or older. So, it is essential to strengthen TB policies focused on early detection, timely-treatment and management continuously.

• Review & Perspective 2025-03-20

  1 498 175

  The History of Tuberculosis Prevention Day and National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control in Republic of Korea

  Jang-ho Park , Ah-hyeon Jang , Eun-young Lee , Hyun-jung Ahn , Ji-eun Kim , Soon-young Seo , Yu-jin Kim , Jeong-hwan Shin , Hye-kyung In , Su-kyeong Park , Young-Joon Park

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(Suppl 11): S70-S87

  

  

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  Objectives: This study aims to raise awareness of tuberculosis and emphasize prevention by reviewing the history of World Tuberculosis Day and Tuberculosis Prevention Day, as well as analyzing tuberculosis control policies and achievements.
  Methods: This study was prepared using a literature review and policy reports on Tuberculosis Prevention Day.
  Results: Since the 2010 revision of the Tuberculosis Prevention Act, Tuberculosis Prevention Day has been observed annually on March 24, replacing the previously designated Tuberculosis Prevention Week. Since 2013, a five-year Tuberculosis Control Plan has been implemented to systematically manage tuberculosis. The third plan is currently in progress, incorporating past achievements and addressing previous limitations.
  Conclusions: Tuberculosis Prevention Day underscores the severity of tuberculosis, its public health importance, and the efforts of frontline workers. The National Tuberculosis Control Plan has been developed based on domestic and international conditions, with a focus on training professionals, initiating preventive activities, and strengthening government-private collaboration systems.

• Review & Perspective 2025-03-20

  1 1119 156

  Status of Tuberculosis Vaccines Development in Clinical Trials

  Eunkyung Shin , Soo Min Kim , Jin-Seung Yun , So Hee Park , Hye-Sook Jeong , You-Jin Kim

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(Suppl 11): S88-S101

  

  

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  Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death worldwide before the corona virus pandemic, but the only licensed vaccine to date is Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG). This manuscript aims to introduce the current status and trends of clinical research on TB vaccines, one of the most difficult vaccines to develop.
  Methods: To identify the current status of clinical development, we reviewed the literature on TB vaccine candidates currently in the clinical pipeline and the World Health Organization (WHO) reports on the introduction of new vaccine developments.
  Results: As of September 2024, 15 TB vaccines candidates are in the clinical pipeline. Across vaccine platforms, six whole-cell, five recombinant protein, two viral vector-based, and two mRNA vaccines are in clinical development, with the largest number of candidates being whole-cell-based vaccines. As of 2024, two mRNA vaccines are also in Phase 1 clinical trials. WHO predicts that a new TB vaccine will be available within five years. The recombinant protein-based M72/AS01_E vaccine has been mentioned as a potential vaccine, and is currently recruiting subjects for a Phase 3 clinical trial. In addition, recombinant protein-based GemTBvec and whole cell-based MIP, MTBVAC, and VPM1002 are in Phase 3 clinical trials.
  Conclusions: While several platform-based TB vaccine candidates are in clinical trials; however, the antigens contained in these candidates are often redundant and limited. To diversify the TB vaccine clinical pipeline, it is necessary to continue research to identify new antigens, the development of preclinical animal models for efficacy evaluation, and the identification of valid endpoints through the analysis of clinical trial results are necessary.

• Review & Perspective 2025-03-20

  2 605 83

  Research and International Cooperation for Shortening the Treatment Duration of Tuberculosis

  Se-Mi Jeon , Tae-hyoun Kim , Sungkyoung Lee , Seonghan Kim *

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(Suppl 11): S102-S118

  Abstract

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  Objectives: This study aimed to explore advancements in tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment technologies, assess recent research trends in reducing treatment duration, and emphasize the importance of international collaborative research.
  Methods: A comprehensive review of global TB reports, epidemiological studies, and clinical research findings was conducted, with a particular focus on novel non-sputum-based diagnostic methods, therapeutic targets, innovative treatment strategies, and global collaborative efforts.
  Results: Extensive research continues to advance TB diagnosis, treatment, and support. Progress in molecular diagnostic technologies has substantially contributed to early detection, leading to rapid improvements in treatment approaches. Technological advancements aimed at shortening treatment duration are expected to play a crucial role in the eradication of TB. Additionally, international research collaborations have been established to accelerate progress in this field, with the Republic of Korea also actively contributing to these efforts.
  Conclusions: Targeted investments in research focused on reducing treatment duration, and the resulting advancements are anticipated to be essential in achieving the goal of TB eradication.

• Policy Notes 2025-03-20

  1 424 79

  Development History and Composition of Korea Tuberculosis Network System

  Hyeon-gyu Kim , Hyeran Jeong , Jieun Kim , Young-Joon Park

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(Suppl 11): S119-S135

  

  

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  Objectives: Since 2000, South Korea has been continuously developing and improving the Korea Tuberculosis Network System (KTB-Net). This article aims to present how the system has digitalized and systematized the processes of detecting, diagnosing, treating, and monitoring tuberculosis patients.
  Methods: This study has examined the history, structure, data holdings, and user roles of the KTB-Net system, drawing on informatization project reports and the KTB-Net database.
  Results: Initiated in 2000 with a reporting management system, the KTB-Net has undergone continuous development. In 2009, the system was integrated, and in 2014, the reporting system was comprehensively overhauled. Currently, the KTB-Net comprises six subsystems and has accumulated over 9,103,281 records. It effectively supports tuberculosis patient management through linkages with six external organizations.
  Conclusions: The KTB-Net has become a core system for tuberculosis management, contributing significantly to the nation’s efforts to eliminate tuberculosis. Continuous improvements will be made to enhance the system’s consistency, comprehensiveness, efficiency, and user-friendliness. Through these efforts, the KTB-Net will further solidify its role as a key tool in achieving the goal of tuberculosis eradication.