Tuberculosis (TB) is the world’s most deadly infectious disease, killing more than 1.6 million people worldwide every year. And yet, it also remains the world’s most neglected disease, with progress far too slow to end the epidemic.
However, the United Nations High-Level Meeting (UN HLM) on TB in September this year presents a critical opportunity to turn this around. This meeting brings together political leaders, governments, civil society and the private sector from all around the world to develop a new set of global commitments to advance the fight against TB. This moment therefore has the potential to accelerate efforts to tackle this deadly disease and provide a clear and effective road map to end preventable deaths from TB by 2030.
The UK has historically provided strong financial commitments and support for research and development into combating infectious diseases. It is therefore critical for the UK to commit to strengthening its efforts at the HLM. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak must attend the HLM and make concrete announcements to step up the UK’s contribution and leadership in the global fight against TB.
This month, please write to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, explaining why you are concerned that the UN High-Level Meeting on TB in September is a success, and why he must attend the HLM personally. Check out our action sheet for more details.
Image credit: World Health Organization