Objective:

To provide a landscape overview of mHealth Apps which are operational to support the TB elimination efforts with reference to specific functionalities that support either persons with TB or healthcare providers.

Approach:

• Search Strategy: A systematic search of the Google Play and Apple App Store was conducted to collect mHealth Apps developed for TB care and management using relevant keywords.
• Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Apps were included if they targeted TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, patient support, or health system management. Non-functional, outdated, or irrelevant apps were excluded.
• Screening Process: Identified mHealth Apps were independently screened by two reviewers, resolving discrepancies through consultation with a third reviewer.

Key Findings:

• 196Appswereidentified,with48includedforfinalanalysis.22(46%)werehealthworkeroriented,10(21%)werebeneficiaryfocused,and16(33%)wereintendedforamixedaudience.On-demandinformationforbeneficiarieswasavailablein18(38%)Apps,andpersonalhealthtrackingfeaturesin14(29%)Apps.Telemedicineandlaboratorymanagementfeatureswereavailableinlessthanone-fifthoftheApps.Featuresforhealthworkerdecisionsupport,referralcoordination,anddatainteroperabilitywereverylow.Therewerenofeatureswithrespecttohumanresourceandsupplychainandhealthfinancing.

Interpretation:

There is a need for developing more community-centric and frontline worker-oriented Apps through participatory co-designing involving people affected by TB, community organizations, and frontline health workers.

Limitations:

• The search was limited to English language apps.
• The analysis reflects a snapshot of available mHealth apps during a specific period.

Conclusion:

Future development of mHealth Apps should focus on community engagement and support for frontline health workers.