Women in TB unite in support of investing in the Global Fund

In addition to the burden of the disease, women with TB face added challenges in accessing TB services, facing stigma, higher rates of malnutrition, etc. This calls for more women representation in TB programs and policies. So that we don’t make the same mistakes of shaping research agendas, striving for goals, and allocating resources in a manner which is primarily influenced and informed by men. It is imperative that everyone comes together to put an end to the three epidemics (TB, AIDS and Malaria) and build resilient and sustainable health systems while strengthening for pandemic preparedness, making this world a more equitable and safer place from future pandemics. TBPPM Learning Network and One Campaign Canada along with the support of GFAN, Results and HPIC, collaborated with several global women leaders in the field of TB and asked them why countries and world leaders need to contribute towards the replenishment of the Seventh Global Fund and why more than ever before, this target of US$18 billion needs to be reached.

Below are some highlighted messages from each of these women on the importance of the Global Fund in ending TB. You can also watch their full video message on the TBPPM Learning Network Youtube Channel.

“As a public health specialist, I see the devastating effects of TB on human and capital resources. Patients lose their means of livelihood, families become impoverished and health systems are overstretched with the burden of care. We need all hands on deck [to support the Global Fund]." - Taofeekat Ali, IHVN, Nigeria		“TB is real. In Pakistan, it is one of the biggest health issues. Around 45,000 people die of TB every year in Pakistan. This is heartbreaking because TB is not only a preventable disease but its also curable. There is a dire need to invest more in the Global Fund.” - Aamna Rashid, Mercy Corps, Pakistan

“TB is a curable disease and it’s a pity that so many people are dying from it every day. Nobody should die of TB. It’s vital to sustain the Global Fund so that there is faster and better access to diagnoses and treatments.” - Harshita Mittal, TB Advocate, India		“I encourage people to please join the fight against TB and to advocate for more financing and.. equitable access to TB services.” - Uzma Khan, IRD, Canada

“It is sad that a disease that is over a hundred years old- and is fully treatable – continues to claim lives the way it does today. Like COVID-19, tuberculosis is in the air. It is nearly impossible for any one individual to fight this disease alone. We need support, we need all of us to continue to support the Global Fund, to put live-saving medications, life-saving treatment support on the ground for people who really need it. Because every life matters.” - Charity Omenka, University of Waterloo, Canada		“I was admitted to the ICU and diagnosed with drug-resistant TB or XDR-TB. According to the WHO Global TB Report, TB deaths increased in 2020, killing 61,000 people in our communities. Urgent steps include to expand TB testing, linking people in the evening or over weekends, through de-centralized care. It is important that we provide TB counselling to each person diagnosed with TB”.- Ingrid Schoeman, TB Proof, South Africa

	“Investing in existing healthcare workers and public health services, like tuberculosis, is the best bet in preparing for another pandemic. The Global Fund is an important bridge to finance the essential health programs that have been hit hard by the pandemic, including TB.” - Petra Heitkamp, TBPPM Learning Network, Canada