Zero TB Initiative featured by New York Times Editorial Board

The Zero TB Initiative has “pushed beyond cynicism to forge a new consensus” towards comprehensive strategies to eliminate tuberculosis (TB), according to the New York Times editorial board.

The Zero TB Initiative, a global coalition of non-profits, research institutions, public and private entities, and patient advocacy groups, seeks to eliminate TB globally through its comprehensive approach. This “Search-Treat-Prevent” strategy emphasizes the need to search actively for people with TB, extend treatment all people who need it, and prevent further transmission and progression of the disease.

The Times article highlights the urgent need for action to eliminate this disease, which kills more than 1.8 million people annually, as well as recent successes in the fight to end TB accomplished by ZTBI partners. In light of the recent United Nations General Assembly meeting on September 26, which is one of only a handful of General Assembly meetings devoted to a single disease, there is new pressure on policymakers to direct much-needed resources towards researching and implementing effective strategies to combat TB.

An NYT Editorial Commentary is an important spotlight on not only the seriousness of the problem that TB presents, but also the clear way forward that has been successful when implemented in the past. The full article can be viewed here.