ObjectiveTo analyze epidemic of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in minority ethnic areas included in a health poverty alleviation project in Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan and Gansu provinces in western China, and provide evidence for targeted PTB control and prevention.

MethodsThe incidence data of PTB in the minority ethnic areas in 4 western provinces from 2011 to 2018 were collected from Infectious Disease Reporting System for a descriptive analysis to identify key areas and populations of PTB control and prevention.

ResultsThe overall incidence rate of PTB in the minority ethnic areas in 4 western provinces increased gradually from 114.41 per 100 000 in 2011 to 140.90 per 100 000 in 2018, an increase of 23.16%. The highest incidence rate was reported in the minority ethnic area in Qinghai. In 2008, the incidence rate of PTB was higher in men than in women (166.43 per 100 000 versus 118.19 per 100 000). The case number in age group 15–24 years was the highest (5 242 cases), accounting for 28.59%. The PTB incidence rates were 487.41 per 100 000 and 245.41 per 100 000, respectively, in 15–24 age group in minority ethnic areas in Qinghai and Sichuan and 451.96 per 100 000 and 314.26 per 100 000, respectively, in age group ≥65 years in minority ethnic areas in Qinghai and Gansu.

ConclusionThe PTB epidemic was very serious in the minority ethnic areas in 4 provinces in western China. Close attention should be paid to the control and prevention of PTB in these areas. In minority ethnic areas in Sichuan, it is necessary to attach importance to PTB control and prevention in adolescents, while in the minority ethnic areas in Qinghai and Yunnan, PTB control and prevention in the elderly should be focused on. In minority ethnic areas in Qinghai, PTB control and prevention in both adolescents and the elderly need to be noticed.