Tuberculosis – A Global Threat
Tuberculosis (TB) is a global disease, found in every country in the world. It is the leading infectious cause of death worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that two billion people – one third of the world’s population – are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), the bacteria that causes TB. Each year, 9.6 million fall ill from TB and 1.5 million die. TB is an airborne disease that can be spread by coughing or sneezing and is the leading cause of infectious disease worldwide. It is responsible for economic devastation and the cycle of poverty and illness that entraps families, communities and even entire countries. Among the most vulnerable are women, children, and those with HIV/AIDS. There is growing resistance to available drugs, which means the disease is becoming more deadly and difficult to treat. There are 480,000 cases of MDR-TB each year.
TB Alliance
TB Alliance is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of better, faster-acting, and affordable tuberculosis drugs that are available to those who need them.
Annual Report
For TB Alliance, 2015 was a milestone year marked by tremendous accomplishments, including reaching some of the most vulnerable and neglected patients with TB.
World’s first availability of child-friendly TB medicines in correct doses. In 2015, TB Alliance and partners announced the launch of child-friendly tuberculosis medicines in the correct doses. The improved treatments are the first to meet the current dosage guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and have the potential to simplify and improve treatment for the one million children who get sick with TB each year. Children with TB are especially neglected. Previously, there were no appropriate medicines for children with TB, which meant that caregivers and providers needed to split or crush tablets for children. The availability of these products is a result of a project largely funded by UNITAID.
This product introduction is especially important as it marks the first medicines that TB Alliance has brought to market. In keeping with TB Alliance’s “AAA Mandate”, the improved medicines for children are available, accessible, and affordable. The products are globally available for purchase through the Stop TB Partnership’s Global Drug Facility and directly through the manufacturer, Macleods Pharmaceuticals.
If you are interested in the Annual Report, find more information here.
Tip: More up to date information can be found online in the Education Database »medicine & health«.
