We reflect on the achievements made by Union members over the last 12 months.
As we move into 2019, we reflect on the achievements made by Union members over the last 12 months in more than 140 countries around the world and we look to build on the momentum we have gained in the fight for lung health.
Member highlights from 2018 include:
Members organised regional conferences including the 22nd Annual Conference of The Union North America Region and the 29th Conference of The Union Middle East Region, which brought together Union members, partners and others working in the field of tuberculosis (TB) and lung disease to discuss topics of particular importance to the region.
The Union’s Zoonotic TB Sub-section launched the Ibarapa Meje One Health Initiative to raise awareness of zoonotic TB among the Fulani pastoralist community in Ibarapa, South Western Nigeria, whose livelihoods depends on their livestock. The Fulani pastoralists live in remote areas with reduced access to health services, yet due to their work and living conditions, are exposed to many infectious and zoonotic diseases. The launch, in March 2018, was attended by government representatives, NGOs, pastoralists and butchers, veterinarians and academics and students. It included awareness raising discussions as well as healthcare and TB screening for the pastoralists and butchers.
As part of the commitment to provide more value than ever to Union members, a new online membership platform was launched to facilitate networking and collaboration among members. The platform also hosts members-only expert-led webinars with leading scientists, researchers and advocates who provide information, debate and analysis of major issues and breaking news. The webinars were attended by more than 1400 people who heard about a range of topics including best practice for the care of patients with TB, zoonotic TB and drug resistant TB updates. A full list of recorded webinars is available on the membership platform so members can listen again at any time.
2018 was a historic year for TB with commitments made from world leaders at the UN High-Level Meetings on TB and non-communicable diseases. Union members united to amplify the five key calls to action that the TB community wanted from the political declaration. Members used Union briefing notes and social media tools to apply consistent pressure throughout the year to political leaders around the world. To harness the expertise of the global network of Union members and to add to the growing momentum for the UN High-Level Meeting, The Union also delivered a series of well attended HLM specific webinars. One webinar focused on the importance of meaningful civil society input and shared practical tips for maximising opportunities to gain vital media attention.
2018 also saw the creation of Membership Engagement Teams. The concept was developed to drive member engagement by inviting members with expertise and interest to join Union funded projects to offer advice and support. This has been well received with 19 members signing up to support the first project, DETECT TB in Uganda.
To learn more about all the work our members were involved in last year please read the 2018 Scientific Section Highlights.
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