Four projects innovating the path to end TB

In a quest to curb tuberculosis (TB), the world's deadliest infectious disease, the Stop TB Partnership's TB REACH initiative fosters innovation. In recognition of World Creativity and Innovation Day, TB REACH shares some groundbreaking projects being funded with the support of Global Affairs Canada, USAID, the Bill, and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Indonesia Health Fund.

Among these, a Flying Pharmacy project in Madagascar, in collaboration with Stony Brook University and the Pasteur Institute of Madagascar, uses drones to transport sputum samples and medications efficiently, transcending infrastructural obstacles and minimizing patient travel times.

Two additional TB REACH projects in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Vietnam employed mass screenings and community mobilization, treating over 3000 people for TB and its infection. Another ongoing project in India, backed by PATH, leverages artificial intelligence and the TrueNat molecular test for rapid TB screening and diagnosis.

Moreover, TB REACH supports CIDRZ in Zambia in exploring cutting-edge diagnostic tools for childhood TB, such as a handheld X-ray camera and the FujiLAM diagnostic test. These initiatives emphasize creativity and innovation as integral to ending TB.