Publish date: 25 March 2025
‘Education key in Ealing’s fight against TB’ – says West London expert
As the borough of Ealing struggles with a high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB), Abdi Ali, Health Protection Project Lead Support at the West London NHS Trust and TB Advisor for the Ealing Community Partners (ECP), said early diagnosis and increasing awareness are critical in curbing the high infection rates in the borough.
Abdi was speaking at an event hosted by the West London Islamic Centre in West Ealing to mark World TB Day.
“Ealing's TB prevalence is higher than in other parts of England due to social deprivation, high population density, and migration from countries with higher rates of TB. This makes Ealing more vulnerable to outbreaks,” said Abdi.
“We’re working hard to educate the community. I do training and outreach with faith and community groups, so last week, I was at a local church. This week, I am at a mosque, and next week, I am at a gurdwara. I work with libraries, charities and other groups to educate people and make sure families are vaccinated,” he added.
Hundreds of people from the community turned up during the event, which also offered free health checks from West London NHS Trust for conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
Councillor Polly Knewstub, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for public health, was present at today’s event and said: "It’s a modern-day myth that tuberculosis (TB) has been eradicated. The data is clear – it’s still very much affecting people’s lives, particularly in areas of high social need. Early diagnosis remains key."
TB is a bacterial infection that is spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the sneezes or coughs of an infected person. It primarily affects the lungs, but it can impact other parts of the body, such as the bones and nervous system. It is a serious condition but curable with a course of antibiotics.
Currently, Ealing has the third highest rate of TB in London, after the boroughs of Newham and Brent. Between 2020 and 2023, 117 new cases of TB were reported in the borough.
TB remains a significant public health concern, particularly in London, where factors such as high population density, social deprivation, and migration from countries with higher TB prevalence contribute to its spread.
Abdi says stigma remains one of the biggest challenges to curbing the spread of TB.
“People don’t talk about it, and in some countries, there are cultural barriers. Many people hesitate to seek help due to fear of social stigma or lack of knowledge, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment. By working together, we can help more people get diagnosed early and receive treatment," says Abdi.
Ealing Community Partners, led by West London NHS Trust, is actively tackling TB infection rates through outreach programmes, mobile clinics, and partnerships with local schools, community organisations, and faith leaders. Abdi said that increased awareness, better access to healthcare, and community engagement will help control and reduce the spread of TB in West London.