The decade from 2000 to 2010 saw substantial new investments in addressing the TB epidemic due to coordinated global efforts, use of the DOTS strategy and cooperation between TB and HIV programs. The combination of political and patient commitment arrested a growth in new infections and saved more than 20 million lives. 

However, over the past few years, there is a growing sense that the fight against TB should be further accelerated. TB remains the leading cause of deaths of people living with HIV/AIDS. Yet, among many, the urgency is gone, and TB is once again perceived as a disease of the past.

The Stop TB Partnership, WHO, UNAIDS and the Global Fund will hold several meetings and sessions in order to strengthen the joint TB and HIV agendas. On Sunday 20 July between 0900-1330, a high level international WHO consultation will be held in conjunction with AIDS 2014 at the Crown Promenade Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The consultation aims to catalyze an accelerated response and high level political buy-in for HIV-associated TB to bring about the elimination of TB deaths among people living with HIV. 

The Stop TB Partnership session at AIDS 2014 will feature an interactive discussion among TB and HIV advocates on how we can change the conversation and renew the fight against TB and HIV in the post MDGs era. The Partnership and others will share a vision for a renewed global conversation on TB and present the results of a new project on global TB branding. Please join us for this important session on Tuesday 22 July from 1830-2030, Melbourne Room 2, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, AIDS 2014 Conference. 

A new report on tuberculosis calls for raising the profile of TB, fight apathy and lack of compelling ambition in addressing the disease. The report 'Ancient enemy, modern imperative: A time for greater action against tuberculosis' by the Economist Intelligence Unit, supported by Janssen, a pharmaceutical company producing TB drugs, also suggests finding and treating people where they live. The report examines the state of the TB challenge, barriers to further progress, and how efforts need to evolve. 

Dr Lucica Ditiu, Executive Secretary of the Stop TB Partnership, explains in the report that TB has been met with apathy, "It is like an orphan. It has been neglected even in countries with a high burden and often forgotten by donors and those investing in health interventions." Full story here.