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Union Courses: Empowering TB professionals across the globe

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In 2024, Union Courses continued to make a meaningful impact on the global fight against tuberculosis (TB), as confirmed by our latest participant survey. The survey, conducted in July 2025, gathered feedback from learners who completed our online and in-person courses in English, Spanish, or French throughout the year.

Strong knowledge gains and practical application

Among the respondents, over 76% reported gaining “a lot” or “a great deal” of new information, with many highlighting improvements in chest X-ray interpretation, TB diagnosis in children, and understanding of drug-resistant TB (DRTB) management.

Participants emphasized how the courses helped them:

  • Apply updated TB guidelines in clinical settings
  • Improve diagnostic accuracy, especially in pediatric cases
  • Enhance program design and community engagement strategies
  • Build confidence in decision-making and leadership roles

One participant noted, “This educational activity significantly enhanced my professional development by deepening my knowledge, improving my practical skills, and broadening my perspective on current industry practices.”

Graphic of impact survey results

Real-world impact

The training’s relevance was clear: 100% of respondents found the content actionable, and all felt either “comfortable” or “very comfortable” applying what they learned. Many reported changes in their professional behavior, such as:

  • Teaching updated TB practices to students and colleagues
  • Implementing new diagnostic protocols in rural and resource-limited settings
  • Designing more effective TB programs using modeling and community input

Crucially, 29 out of 34 respondents said their patients or communities benefited “a lot” or “a great deal” from the knowledge and skills they gained.

A global and diverse learning community

The survey reflects the diversity of Union Courses’ reach:

  • Languages: English, French, and Spanish
  • Regions: Africa (71%), Asia, Latin America, and Oceania
  • Sectors: Government, NGOs, universities, and UN agencies
  • Roles: From frontline clinicians to executive managers and researchers

High satisfaction and strong endorsement

An overwhelming 91% of respondents would “definitely” recommend Union Courses to a colleague. This endorsement speaks to the quality, relevance, and accessibility of our educational offerings.

In 2026, Union Courses will continue working towards the same goal: equipping TB professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to make a difference. Our focus will be on expanding and enhancing our online training offerings, making high-quality education even more accessible to practitioners around the world.

I have been able to do a step-down training for my co-workers, which has enhanced our case detection and management.

NGO Worker, Africa

Understanding better the clinical management of DRTB has helped me shape my thinking and improve patient care.

Middle Manager, Asia

I now approach my work with a more structured and evidence-based methodology. I apply updated guidelines and make decisions with greater confidence.

Middle Manager, Africa

This has enhanced my diagnosis of TB in children using radiographic methods and reduced community TB case burden.

Physician, Africa