Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2016 Sep;20(9):1148-54. doi: 10.5588/ijtld.16.0142.

Ending tuberculosis by 2030: can we do it?

Suthar AB1, Zachariah R2, Harries AD3.

Author information

• 1South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa.
• 2Operations Research Unit (LuxOR), Médecins Sans Frontières, Luxembourg.
• 3International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals aim to end tuberculosis (TB) related deaths, transmission and catastrophic costs by 2030. Multisectorial action to accelerate socio-economic development, a new vaccine and novel diagnostics and medicines for treatment are key advances needed to end TB transmission. Achieving 90-90-90 targets for TB (i.e., 90% of vulnerable populations screened, 90% diagnosed and started on treatment, and at least 90% cured) will help accelerate progress towards reductions in mortality; however, passive case detection strategies, multidrug-resistant TB, human immunodeficiency virus coinfection and outdated pathways to care need to be overcome. Ending the catastrophic costs associated with TB will require expansion of health insurance coverage, comprehensive coverage of TB services, and limited indirect costs by vulnerable and poor populations.