From the laboratory to the factory floor, businesses around the world are focusing their skills and resources against one of the most troubling health crises of our time: the resurgence of tuberculosis and the emergence of new drug-resistant strains like MDR-TB and XDR-TB. The problem of HIV-TB co-infection further multiplies the deadliness of both diseases. TB is responsible for half of all AIDS-related deaths.

GBCHealth member companies are leading by example, protecting their employees in the workplace, taking prevention programs to the community and developing critical new diagnostic tools and treatments. The key to stopping the TB epidemic rests in education—teaching people how to identify symptoms, seek screening and maintain consistent treatment (which can last for months). Developing faster, more effective diagnostics and drugs is essential.

TB's impact on business and communities is severe. Each year it reduces the annual incomes of the world's poorest communities by $16 billion, according to the World Economic Forum. In some countries, the decrease in productivity due to TB equals 7 percent of GDP. Much like HIV/AIDS, TB in the workforce leads to increased absenteeism, high health insurance costs and reduced productivity.

GBCHealth is leading an aggressive campaign to help member companies implement TB interventions, integrate TB into their HIV/AIDS programs, and expand TB programs through partnerships with their suppliers.  We also work with The Lilly Partnership, a $70 million, multi-pronged global effort by member Eli Lilly and Company to fight MDR-TB in 40 countries. The partnership focuses on three components: transfer of technology and drug supply; training, treatment and surveillance; and community support, patient advocacy, workplace awareness and prevention.

Cost-sharing is critical to the fight against TB. In addition to spreading the financial burden, it multiplies impact by allowing each partner to focus on their own expertise and core competencies. And governments, multilaterals and donors are actively seeking out public-private partnerships that will do just that. GBCHealth works closely with partners like The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has committed $4 billion to TB programs.

Explore the GBCHealth Library content on Tuberculosis.