On 12 May, The Union celebrates the vital role nurses play in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) and lung disease, which is often undervalued.
International Nurses Day 2025 theme of “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies,” emphasises the vital link between nurses’ well-being and the strength of global health systems. The theme highlights that by prioritising the support, safety, and professional development of nurses, societies can drive economic growth and enhance health outcomes worldwide.
The Union recognises the importance of the nursing profession in TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment management, and much more. Dr Cassandra Kelly-Cirino, Executive Director of The Union, says: “Nurses are vital to everything we do to prevent, diagnose and treat tuberculosis across the globe, so it is crucial that we support and care for them, both professionally and personally. The Union does this by providing nursing professionals with access to a network of peers who are dedicated to ending TB. We also offer a variety of evidence-based resources and learning opportunities for nurses.”
Current opportunities
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We offer nurses reduced rates to attend The Union World Conference on Lung Health taking place this year in Copenhagen.
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The Union has a nurses and allied professionals membership group which represents nurses, health educators and other allied professionals dedicated to ending TB. The group is comprised of members from many disciplines who work across a spectrum of activities, services and organisations with expertise and interests relating to clinical care and public health management of TB and lung disease, tobacco control, training and education, health promotion, stigma reduction, disease prevention, civil society, research and ethics. A strength of the group and members is the diversity of knowledge, skills and expertise within their global community of practice. Anyone who registers as a Union member is welcome to join the group.
Key resources
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The first edition of Basic occupational safety and health for respiratory diseases: A desk guide for health facilities outlines a comprehensive approach to respiratory health, which health facilities can adapt and implement in resource-limited settings.
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The fourth edition of Diagnosis and Management of Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents: A Desk Guide for Primary Health Care Workers supports healthcare workers, in primary and secondary care in high TB burden settings with limited resources, to decide when and how to start TB treatment in children and adolescents.
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The Diagnostic CXR Atlas for Tuberculosis in Children: A Guide to Chest X-ray Interpretation (the Atlas) has been extensively revised, with the aim of assisting non-specialist healthcare workers in high tuberculosis (TB)-burden settings to interpret chest x-rays (CXRs) from children investigated for TB.
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The Union provides educational support to develop clinical expertise, management skills and the ability to discover solutions through research and advocacy. Be sure to explore our Union Courses.