Lay summary
In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), tuberculosis (TB) disproportionally affects Māori and Pasifika particularly children under 5 and 5-14 years, suggesting ongoing transmission is occurring in these communities. Adding to this problem, there are variants of TB-causing Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria which predominate in these communities. Our research project will investigate TB transmission in Māori and Pasifika communities, by combining the expertise of bacterial genetics, epidemiology and social science research teams. This will involve working alongside communities and combining expertise from public hospitals, NZ Universities and Te Whatu Ora Health NZ in a collaborative approach. Utilising this culturally-responsive, transdisciplinary approach, our research project also aims to serve as a blueprint to tackle other infectious diseases in NZ and promote better health outcomes for NZ.