Report of the 7th virtual end TB strategy summit for the highest TB burden countries and countries on the WHO global watchlist, 16–17 November 2021

Overview

The 7th End TB summit of the highest TB burden countries and countries on the WHO Global TB Watchlist took place virtually from 16 to 17 November 2021 (3.5 hours per day). The overall objective of this summit was to facilitate discussions and an exchange of strategic information between National TB Programmes (NTPs), representatives of the WHO Civil Society Task Force, and partners on new ways of working to mitigate and reverse the COVID-19 impact on TB and reinvigorate the global response to TB. Specific meeting objectives were as follows:

1. to reflect on key challenges and opportunities posted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic for NTPs, affected people and vulnerable populations;

2. to consider opportunities for strengthening quality TB case finding and prevention given innovations during the COVID-19 pandemic;

3. to share updates on the latest global situation for TB and exchange strategic information.

This report summarizes the sessions of the summit and provides links to background slides shared by speakers from the country, regional and global level. All slides are featured in the WHO End TB Forum.