Political "indifference" is hindering the success of tuberculosis elimination targets, an expert warned last night.
Speaking at Queen Mary University of London, UK, yesterday (7 May), Professor Mario Raviglione, told an audience that the chances of reaching the 2050 tuberculosis elimination target are low.
“We need to tackle the political indifference towards tuberculosis, and name and blame those who are not doing the right job,” said Professor Raviglione, who is also a former Director of the WHO Global Tuberculosis Programme.
She wants to see “a multisectoral approach that goes beyond health interventions”, in order to end tuberculosis by 2050.
“We’re currently seeing a 1% to 2% annual reduction of cases – at that rate, it will take us two centuries before we eliminate tuberculosis,” she said. “We need to somehow reach a reduction of 15% to 20% per year to meet the 2050 target – that’s a huge 1,000 fold reduction in cases over the next 31 years.”
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have created a new online postgraduate course to equip tuberculosis workers with the tools needed to work towards tuberculosis elimination. It can be accessed across the world through online distance learning, from September 2019.
Professor Raviglione said: “Most tuberculosis training courses cover mainly the clinical aspects of tuberculosis to train people to recognise the disease and give proper treatment.
“This course is unique because, as well as the clinical modules, it includes teaching on epidemiology, control and elimination strategies, sustainable development goals, and the political aspects.
"In my view it is absolutely essential to make sure people are trained up in these areas.”
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