The Union is a global organisation working to end tuberculosis and the suffering caused by lung diseases, old and new. We do this by conducting scientific research, working with governments and other agencies to translate research into better health for people around the world, and delivering projects directly in the field, driving change to ensure the best quality care.
We are a membership organisation, a technical organisation and a scientific organisation. We aim to ensure that no-one is left behind, people are treated equally and we have a focus on vulnerable and marginalised populations and communities.
The Union relies on our members to provide leadership, influence and support to reach our common goal. Union members are part of a movement of like-minded individuals and organisations who work together to champion change for a better future in lung health.
Our areas of focus
Tobacco control
The Union has helped:
• 3.82 billion people in 37 countries through smoke-free laws
• 3.87 billion people in 28 countries through higher tobacco tax
• 4.11 billion people in 33 countries through graphic health warnings
- Generate knowledge through innovation, operational, clinical and public health research
- Disseminate and exchange knowledge, capacity building, and communication globally and in countries
- Provide intervention and support for populations vulnerable to tuberculosis, lung disease and tobacco
- Promote the development and implementation of policies that advance our mission
- Engage with the global health community, including governments, donors, multi-lateral agencies and members, as well as strengthening the voice of affected communities and individuals, and the health care workforce
Official relations with the World Health Organization
The Union has been formally granted the role of a non‑State actor in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Official relations” is a privilege that the WHO’s Executive Board grants to nongovernmental organisations that contribute significantly to the advancement of public health, and have a sustained and systematic engagement in the interest of the WHO, and have aims and activities which conform with the spirit, purposes and principles of WHO’s Constitution.
Victorien lives in Benin. He contracted TB at 18 years old. He was then diagnosed with MDR-TB, at which point he was included in The Union's nine-month study. He finished treatment in 2013 and went on to studying a chemistry, biology, geology degree at university.
Victorien is now active in outreach efforts to educate people about TB. He volunteers with the Red Cross to work on reducing the stigma and misinformation around TB in the community.
Photo credit: Will Boase / The Union