Also available in: EspaƱol
Source: stoptb.org
16-17 July 2016 – Durban, South Africa – The urgent need to address the global TB epidemic was in focus this weekend in Durban, as TB experts, health professionals, political leaders, civil society, and communities affected by TB convened at the TB2016 conference. TB2016 was coordinated by the International AIDS Society (IAS) and held directly prior to the 21st International AIDS Conference.
“For many countries, including mine, TB and HIV are two sides of the same coin,” said Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa Minister of Health and Chair of the Stop TB Partnership Board, in the inaugural plenary address for TB 2016. “At the International AIDS Society Conference, my message will be clear: We will not end AIDS without ending TB. We will either succeed or fail together and so working alone is not an option.”
During the two days over 1000 participants discussed a range of topics related to TB including the latest scientific discoveries in TB, the agenda for basic and clinical research, how to best involve civil society actors, strengthening community systems, galvanizing political leadership and best practices for advocacy.
“Tuberculosis has climbed the list of major killers because it is at the bottom of the list of political priorities”, said Dr. Joanne Carter, Executive Director of RESULTS and Vice-Chair of the Stop TB Partnership Board. “TB2016 is an important step forward in the effort to bring the needed scientific, financial, and political resources to bear against this global killer.”