Tuberculosis remains the world’s leading infectious disease killer, claiming 4,500 lives each day. Every year, some 558,000 people will develop a form of TB that is resistant to rifampicin, the most effective first-line drug, making successful treatment of the disease even more difficult and costly. Ending the global epidemic requires a comprehensive approach, rapid innovation and proven interventions, bold leadership, and intensive community engagement.

This week, MSH is joining researchers, advocates, civil society, scientists, healthcare professionals, and students working on all aspects of lung health around the world in Guadalajara, Mexico for the 48th Union World Conference on Lung Health, where tuberculosis is the key topic. Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, with over 95% of TB deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Although tremendous progress has been made in the ongoing fight against this disease, some key segments of the population continue to shoulder the burden of TB more acutely.

by African Strategies for Health The goals of universal health coverage (UHC) can only be delivered when access to health services and financial risk protection are equitably addressed.

Aster Gemede lost her husband to tuberculosis (TB) meningitis early in 2012. Struck with grief, Gemede did not notice her own deteriorating health in the months after his death. Cough, fever, chest pain, and loss of appetite became part of her everyday life. She hardly noticed she was losing weight. When Gemede got to the point where she was unable to look after her two children, she was forced to walk eight hours from her home in rural Borena zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, to the nearest health facility.