Introduction

The third pillar of the End TB Strategy – research and innovation – recognizes that achieving substantial reductions in TB incidence and mortality will require the development and introduction of new tools and strategies, in addition to promoting universal access to existing technologies.

In this regard, Ministers of Health during the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending TB (November 2017, Moscow), committed to take resolute actions necessary to catalyse TB research, particularly by increasing investment for health research, reducing regulatory impediments and enhancing in-country TB research capacity. The Political declaration of the UN high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the fight against TB, also articulated bold commitments and actions on TB research and innovation. Translation of these commitments into action will require a coherent and integrated approach at the national, regional and global levels. This document aims to provide countries with a framework to facilitate the implementation of the commitments on research and innovation articulated in those declarations. The drafting of the strategy was mandated in resolution WHA71.3 in 2018 and the drafting process involved the following activities and timelines.

A global strategy for TB research and innovation 

In response to this request, WHO prepared a Global Strategy drawing on consultation with scientists, national TB programme managers and other officials from within and beyond ministries of health, including ministries of science and technology, and representatives of civil society and affected communities, research funding institutions and other TB research and innovation stakeholders.

Four major areas for action are highlighted in the strategy: creating an enabling environment for TB research and innovation; increasing financial investments in TB research and innovation; promoting and improving approaches to data sharing; and promoting equitable access to the benefits of research and innovation. In the spirit of fast-tracking efforts to end TB, a prerequisite for success is that all stakeholders make concerted efforts and collaborate. Hence, the strategy also makes the case for a unified and aligned response in which key national and international partners and affected communities support Member States by undertaking the investments and partnerships that are necessary for accelerating innovation. The primary audiences for the document are Member States, particularly ministries of health, science and technology, finance and education.