On World TB Day (24 March) the MEP Lung Health Group conducted an event, Tuberculosis research and investment – lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. The MEP Lung Health Group is an informal platform for policymakers, health professionals and patients to identify the potential European Union policy measures aimed at improving lung health. A video recording of the event is now available online. For further details, click here.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted much of the research and development done in the field of tuberculosis (TB) prevention, diagnostics, and treatment measures, as well as shifted the focus away from TB care. Lockdowns and the high burden placed on national healthcare systems has prevented patients from accessing TB diagnostic and treatment services, and it is expected that this will contribute to a significant rise in TB cases worldwide, thus reducing the chances of achieving the SDG, EndTB and UN HLM targets.