Results published recently in The Lancet Microbe detail analysis of 10 years’ health data, showing a relationship between HIV infection and acquisition of rifampicin resistance by tuberculosis (TB). Rifampicin is an important first‑line anti‑TB medication.

Investment will optimize access to quality diagnosis, increase private sector engagement, address the burden of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and catalyse community action towards TB elimination.

The registration for the 52nd Union World Conference on Lung Health is NOW OPEN! The conference will take place virtually on 19-22 October 2021.

12 August 2021, Geneva | Currently the most widely used diagnostic tests for TB infection are the tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assays (IGRA). However, both classes of tests have limitations. Newer skin-based tests based on specific M. tuberculosis antigens (ESAT-6, CFP-10 and others) have been developed, these combine the simpler skin-test platform with the specificity of IGRA. Emerging evidence suggests that compared to IGRA, the tests may have similar specificity and provide more reliable results in children and in HIV-infected cohorts. However, the evidence has not been systematically reviewed.

'Activating a human rights-based TB response – a technical brief for policymakers and program implementers' is now available online in 5 languages - Bahasa, Hindi, Marathi, French and Spanish. It can also be accessed in English.

As the Unitaid-funded ASCENT project launches the main research phase, investigating the effectiveness of digital adherence technologies and data-driven support interventions on TB treatment completion and success rates, Unitaid asked the researchers leading the study to tell more about their work and its potential impact.

10 August 2021 | Geneva - The World Health Organization (WHO) is launching its updated target product profile (TPP) for next-generation drug-susceptibility (DST) testing for M. tuberculosis at peripheral centres.

The Center for Global Health, branch of the organization Socios En Salud | Partners In Health Peru, will host a series of webinars on diagnosis and treatment for drug-resistant TB as part of the Zero Tuberculosis Initiative, a multi-institutional alliance of local coalitions working to rapidly reduce TB rates by using a comprehensive approach.

-- Grant up to $17.8 million will support study of treatment-shortening regimen in drug-sensitive tuberculosis (DS-TB)
-- Study expected to begin in 2022 evaluating safety and efficacy of novel 3-drug combination versus existing 4-drug standard of care

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, calling for collective action against TB, emphasized the crucial role played by the Parliament in disseminating the message in a country full of diversity.