The WHO End TB strategy aims to end the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic by 2035. To achieve this goal, it is essential to effectively and timely develop and implement innovative tools, such as new vaccine(s), diagnostics, medicines, preventive and treatment regimens, and innovative service deliveries.
In this context, WHO/Europe set up the European Tuberculosis Research Initiative (ERI-TB) to advance TB-related research in the WHO European Region to reduce people suffering and end TB.
ERI-TB is composed of a core group and a network. The core group provides expert input. The ERI-TB network includes interested stakeholders with no conflict of interest, who contribute to the mission of ERI-TB by sharing their research-related work and providing input for ERI-TB documents on a voluntary basis and who receive regular updates on ERI-TB work.
The ERI-TB core group is currently focusing on the development of a research agenda for the WHO European Region. To join the network, please send an email to the WHO ERI-TB Secretariat (euroTBRI@who.int).
ERI-TB was launched on 15 November 2016, when the first meeting of the core group was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The establishment of ERI-TB is a key milestone of the TB Action Plan for the WHO European Region 2016–2020, supporting the achievement of the WHO End TB Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals within the Health 2020 policy framework.