- United States
- Ga.
- Letter
Tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge globally, claiming countless lives each year. We now possess the knowledge and tools required to diagnose, treat, and ultimately eliminate this devastating disease. By supporting comprehensive strategies outlined in the End Tuberculosis Now Act, we can accelerate progress toward the goal of ending TB within our lifetimes. This legislation authorizes critical U.S. efforts and funding to strengthen tuberculosis prevention, detection, and treatment programs worldwide. It prioritizes active case-finding to identify all individuals with active TB and provide quality care. The Act also emphasizes expanding preventive therapy to protect those at high risk, like children and people living with HIV. Furthermore, it promotes robust infection control measures and workforce training on latest tools and therapies. Importantly, the bill champions research and development of new diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines to better arm the global fight against TB. It supports partnerships driving innovation while ensuring affordable access to new and existing TB tools. The legislation also calls for enhancing accountability through improved monitoring and evaluation. By passing the End Tuberculosis Now Act, we can harness American leadership and expertise to catalyze the comprehensive, well-coordinated response needed to consign TB to history. Millions of lives hang in the balance - we must act boldly to seize this opportunity and end the tuberculosis emergency for good.