The scale of the TB problem
It is estimated that every year, around 10 million people develop active TB disease globally, but four million of these are ‘missed’ as they lack access to quality diagnosis and treatment. One person with active and untreated TB might spread the disease to as many as 15 other people in a year.
The social impact of TB on people, families, and communities can be devastating. An inability to work or go to school can put families in chronic debt or left behind in education. In contrast, stigma and discrimination can leave them shamed and shunned, often with loss of opportunities and employment.
What we do to address it?
We raise TB awareness through high-level networks and public campaigns such as World TB Day to put it squarely on the public and political agenda. With intensive campaigning, we contributed to getting Heads of State and Government to hold the first United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB in September 2018. At this meeting, the world committed to key targets to be reached by 2022, so the world can get back on track and end TB by 2030. We increase the global availability of quality and affordable TB equipment and medical supplies by working with suppliers and countries to reduce costs, improve supply chains, support people affected by TB, and communities to put their voices front and center. We invest in unexplored innovative approaches, start-ups, new technology, and the modernization and strengthening of current frameworks to widen TB services to all who need it and wherever they are.
