Research & Innovation

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health threat worldwide and remains the world’s top infectious killer. This situation owes much to the neglect of TB research over several decades. Motivating progress in research and innovation to end the TB epidemic by 2030 – as called for by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), WHO End TB Strategy and the UN High-Level Meeting on TB – requires decisive action by all countries and stakeholders.

WHO is driving advocacy for increased TB research and innovation, joining forces with Member States, civil society, and technical and funding partners. To enable scientific collaboration, WHO convenes international expert consultations and national workshops on topics of critical importance.

Most recently, WHO developed a global strategy for TB research and innovation to foster collaboration, improve efficiency and increase financing for research and innovation. The strategy will provide coherence and direction in reaching the targets of the WHO End TB Strategy and the UN High-Level Meeting on TB, ensuring that political commitments and initiatives are exploited to the full.

WHO is also supporting the BRICS TB research network and promoting the use of efficient, life-saving digital health innovations in TB care delivery in countries.