Photograph by Atul Loke Photograph by Atul Loke
Press release |

MSF response to “Moscow Declaration to End TB”

Photograph by Atul Loke
Photograph by Atul Loke Photograph by Atul Loke

Moscow, 17 November 2017More than 36,400 people worldwide have signed a petition giving governments and Ministers of Health a deadline to bring their tuberculosis (TB) testing and treatment policies and practices in line with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. The deadline – set by people affected by TB and those who stand with them in solidarity – is World TB Day, 24 March 2018.

By signing the “Moscow Declaration to End TB” at the WHO Global Ministerial Conference today, governments have made a similar commitment to accelerate actions to end TB.

But this isn’t enough. Governments must now demonstrate their commitment to fighting TB and its drug-resistant forms by rapidly implementing internationally recognised TB standards. They must prove the sincerity by swiftly increasing the number of people tested for TB, treated and cured of the disease. The clock is ticking.

TB is the world’s deadliest infectious disease. It kills 1.7 million people every year. This global health crisis requires action on the part of governments, not more empty promises.

Sharonann Lynch, HIV/TB Policy Advisor, MSF Access Campaign