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Article History

Received: 2 June 2025

Accepted: 15 January 2026

First Online: 27 January 2026

Declarations

:

: This study was conducted as part of routine programmatic TB screening activities implemented under the USAID-funded TB LON 1&2 project, targeting congregate settings such as correctional facilities. The intervention was aligned with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) guidelines. Informed consent and administrative approval were received from the relevant prison authorities. TB screening in correctional settings does not require ethical approval as it is an established strategy under the NTBLCP, as outlined in Sect. 6.4 of the Federal Ministry of Health National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control (2021–2026), which prioritizes regular TB screening of incarcerated individuals in correctional service centers and police cells to improve case notification. It is further supported by Sect. 15.4 of the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Management and Control Guidelines (7th Edition), which emphasizes creating an enabling environment for access to TB services within restricted settings such as prisons, detention centers, and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Informed consent was additionally sought from all participating incarcerated individuals, who were given the right to decline or withdraw from the screening exercise without any consequences. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, including respect for persons, voluntary participation, and the right to withdraw at any time without penalty.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.