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Re-imagining Global Health: Financing the End of TB

Speakers:

Dr. Nasser Alkahtani, Executive Director, Arab Gulf Programme for Development
Dr. Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director, Stop TB Partnership
Jamie Ducharme, Health Correspondent, TIME
H.E. Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Dr. Jay Rajda, Head of International Government Health and Payor Engagement, Amazon Web Services

 

With lead Programming partner

stop tb partnership - Re-imagining Global Health: Financing the End of TB

“TB is an airborne pandemic. If we invest in diagnostics for TB, it will help other diseases that are in the lungs. And if we invest in diagnostic tools for other diseases in the lungs, it should help tuberculosis as well.”

– Dr. Lucica Ditiu

“The stigma attached to [TB] is really, really damaging”

– H.E. Oluremi Tinubu

“It’s critical to make the turnaround process more timely. And that’s where technology can play a key role.”

– Dr. Jay Rajda

“Tuberculosis has been the second leading cause of infectious disease deaths worldwide, second only to COVID-19.”

– Jamie Ducharme

“If we start with partnership in anything, not just a disease, we solve the problem. Because working together, solving the problem, this is the key. And the private sector, government, and civil society is a key.”

– Dr. Nasser Alkahtani

Key takeaways & next steps:

  • Despite TB’s global impact, which includes millions of annual deaths, there is a consensus that ending TB by 2030 is attainable with the right strategies and sufficient funding. 
  • Technological progress, such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and portable diagnostic tools, has the potential to transform the diagnosis and care of TB. AI can swiftly and accurately analyze chest X-rays, while portable diagnostics can bring testing and treatment closer to vulnerable populations, particularly in regions with limited resources.
  • The success of TB elimination efforts hinges on the establishment of effective partnerships involving governments, the private sector, civil society, and communities. 
  • Ensuring the accessibility and affordability of TB treatment for all is a pivotal element in the battle against TB. Achieving this goal involves financial inclusion and innovative insurance solutions that facilitate individuals’ access to treatment and alleviate the economic burden associated with TB. These measures guarantee that even the most vulnerable populations can access necessary care.
  • To effectively combat TB, the importance of advocacy and awareness campaigns cannot be overstated. These initiatives should aim to reduce the stigma surrounding TB, motivate individuals to undergo testing and treatment, and underscore the significance of prioritizing TB as a global health concern. Political support, encompassing budget allocation and policy measures, plays a crucial role in sustaining these efforts and realizing the 2030 TB elimination target.

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