The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease is deeply concerned by ongoing violent conflicts, and their increasing impact on the delivery of essential healthcare services, on health care workers and on vulnerable communities.
We recognise that this is an issue of serious concern to many of our members who share a commitment to humanitarian principles. On their behalf we call on all relevant actors, including those directly involved and those indirectly involved, but with influence on the events, to ensure adherence to the principles and articles of international law including the protection of civilians and healthcare workers, ensuring access to food, sanitation and medical supplies, and reconstruction of the health system.
The Union is committed to achieving a healthier world for all, free of tuberculosis and lung disease. In pursuing this vision, we seek to ensure that no-one is left behind, and people are treated equally, with a focus on vulnerable and marginalised populations and communities.
Last week, the lung health community came together at The Union World Conference on Lung Health 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark. This was a unique opportunity to learn from the latest breakthroughs, share best practices and discuss key concerns. The conference programme included sessions on ‘Continuity amid chaos: Sustaining TB responses in times of crisis’ and ‘Climate, conflict and care: Building TB programme resilience in an era of instability’, where lived realities of TB response in conflict, political instability, and natural disaster settings were shared.