By Tracy Liverpool
In tonight’s NCN Health report sponsored by Essential Care Pharmacy and GTM Insurance, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for concerted action to fulfill the commitments made to end tuberculosis (TB).
Despite significant strides in combating TB since 2000, with an estimated 75 million lives saved globally, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with conflicts and socioeconomic disparities, has reversed much of the progress achieved in the fight against TB.
This setback has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable populations.
In 2023, countries committed to accelerating efforts to end TB. Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director for the Global TB Programme at WHO, emphasizes the need to translate these commitments into tangible actions.
Key initiatives include implementing the WHO Director-General’s flagship initiative for 2023-2027, aimed at developing safe and effective TB treatments.
WHO advocates for the expansion of sustainable resources, support, care, and information crucial for ensuring access to TB care and research.
This includes scaling up access to TB preventive treatment and screening services and addressing health disparities that perpetuate the TB epidemic.
World TB Day, commemorated on March 24, carries the theme “Yes! We can end TB!” This underscores the collective resolve needed to overcome the challenges posed by TB and reaffirms the commitment to achieving a TB-free world.
This call to action from WHO underscores the urgency and importance of global efforts to end TB and ensure the health and well-being of all individuals.