Union region conferences unite experts to focus on topics of importance to public health in the region
In 2017, Union members collectively assembled nearly 2,000 participants at three conferences to discuss regional solutions to health problems. Union members are affiliated by region, and they work together to organise and host official Union Region Conferences on TB, lung health and related topics.
The Union Africa Region celebrated its 50-year anniversary with the 20th Conference of The Union Africa Region, held in Accra, Ghana. The conference featured daily panel discussions, a regional capacity-building workshop that looked at the role of TB champions and the ‘Every Breath Counts’ walk, with more than 100 conference participants walking in solidarity against the toll of TB in the region.
The 21st Conference of The Union North America Region took place in Vancouver, Canada, and centred discussion around
TB in minority populations. Stephen Lewis, the co-founder and co-director of AIDS-Free World, presented the keynote lecture in which he examined the present state of TB, drawing comparisons with the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and forecasting the future of global public health in the current era.
The 6th Conference of The Union Asia Pacific Region was held in Tokyo, Japan, and covered subjects that reflected wider global concerns for which accelerated progress is essential. The opening address by Dr Nishikawa from the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association presented an overview of Japan’s contribution to global TB control from the 1950s to the present day, from advancing technologies that underpin national TB programmes to mass screening techniques and the development of essential TB drugs.
More news from the members
NURSES AND ALLIED PROFESSIONALS SUB-SECTION
Published the second edition of ‘Best practices for the care of patients with tuberculosis: a guide for low-income countries‘ in English (with translations into Spanish, Russian and Chinese planned). The sub-section held an education and training discussion session during the Union World Conference.
ZOONOTIC TB SUB-SECTION
Launched the ‘Zoonotic TB Roadmap‘ along with WHO, OIE and FAO and organised two symposia and a ‘meet the expert’ session during the Union World Conference.
TB AND MIGRATION WORKING GROUP
Participated in five sessions at the Union World Conference.
INFECTION CONTROL WORKING GROUP
Cooperated with the End TB Transmission Initiative and coordinated a post-graduate course and oral abstract sessions.
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS STOP TB INITIATIVE WORKING GROUP
Secured indigenous representation in the plenary session and two symposia.
TB AND ETHICS WORKING GROUP
Was established in 2017 to encourage broader engagement with ethical issues in TB research and practice, particularly in relation to the End TB strategy and its implementation.