Tuberculosis: basics, burden, impact, challenges, innovations, Integration a Human Rights based perspective to TB Control & the post-2015 Strategy

Abstract

Government commitment, diagnosis through microscopy, standardized and supervised treatment, uninterrupted drug supply, and regular monitoring, which together constitute DOTS— a strategy which was developed by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases and supported by the & recommended by the WHO as a tuberculosis control strategy—remains essential for controlling tuberculosis. DOTS have helped make remarkable progress in global control of the disease over the past decade. The gain is evident: nearly 21 million patients have been cured of tuberculosis. However, global statistics suggest that DOTS alone is not sufficient to achieve the 2015 tuberculosis-related Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the Stop TB Partnership targets. Two other 2015 global targets for reductions in disease burden (prevalence and mortality rates) and two additional indicators fit within the MDG framework. In addition, 2015 targets for the response needed to address the specific challenges of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and the TB/HIV co-epidemic were set within the Global Plan to Stop TB 2011–2015. Tuberculosis, a disease of poverty, is a measurable indicator of equitable development Inclusion of TB in the MDGs has contributed to making progress in global TB control Union/WHO TB strategy has helped cure 51 million patients and save 20 million lives 2015 MDG target of halting and beginning to reverse TB incidence has been achieved. Compared to 1990, TB mortality has been reduced by 41% and will be halved in 2015 R&D is now finally resulting in new tools and scientific breakthroughs. However, TB incidence decline is too slow to realize the vision of a TB free world. Every year, still 1.4 million people die of TB and 8.7 million suffer from. However, TB incidence decline is too slow to realize the vision of a TB free world Every year, still 1.4 million people die of TB and 8.7 million suffer from it Ambitious targets and expanded efforts required post-2015 to accelerate progress: Goal: ―Zero TB deaths‖ besides ―TB elimination as a public health problem‖ Target 2025: ―Halve TB mortality and prevalence rates compared with 2015‖