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U.S. CDC and The Union: A longstanding partnership strengthening tuberculosis care and prevention in resource-limited countries

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For two decades now, since 2004, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) have joined forces and collaborated closely to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of tuberculosis (TB) care and prevention programs around the world, particularly in resource-limited countries.

The partnership has contributed to significant progress in developing and updating scientific and programmatic resources, disseminating best practices, building scientific and technical capacity, and bolstering the policies and practices of local and national TB programs globally.

Ultimately, CDC and The Union’s partnership aims to support resource-limited countries and communities to end the TB epidemic.

Doctor assessing child in Uganda

Dr Riitta Dlodlo, Senior Advisor at The Union, said: “Our longstanding collaboration with CDC has enhanced our ability to equip healthcare workers with the latest knowledge, helping them to deliver the best possible TB treatment and care to individuals and communities who need it most.

“The fact this partnership has continued for two decades is a testament to the valuable relationship that has been built and the great strides we have made together.”

There have been many significant achievements during this longstanding collaboration, including most recently:

Dr Anand Date, CDC Global TB Branch Chief remarked: “The collaboration between CDC and The Union aims to strengthen TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, particularly in high-burden countries by leveraging data and research with a special attention on children and adolescents affected by TB. A significant emphasis on capacity building ensures that healthcare professionals receive essential training, which fosters innovative solutions to the challenges posed by TB.

“Together, the CDC and The Union strive to accelerate progress toward ending the TB epidemic and achieving health equity.”

Despite the accomplishments of this instrumental partnership, more efforts are needed to finally end the global TB epidemic. CDC and The Union will continue to work closely to support resource-limited settings and all countries in eliminating this preventable and curable infectious disease.

Over the next five years, the collaboration will focus on:

  1. Strengthening TB services for children and adolescents, through expanded capacity building and programmatic activities under the Centre of Excellence.
  2. Developing technical guidance and scientific publications aimed at strengthening knowledge and building the capacity of healthcare professionals implementing TB programmes.
  3. Supporting The Union World Conference on Lung Health to meet the changing needs of the global health and scientific community.