Following the recent release of modelling on the impacts of the initial COVID-19 response on TB, commissioned by the Stop TB Partnership in collaboration with the Imperial College, Avenir Health and Johns Hopkins University, The Union is answering the call for immediate action to prevent the potential 1.4 million tuberculosis (TB) deaths caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The magnitude of the effect of COVID-19, the sheer numbers of people who will die from TB, and the massive set-backs that will occur in TB care as a result are alarming. It is estimated that globally, a three-month lockdown and a protracted 10-month restoration could lead to an additional 6.3 million people falling ill with TB and an additional 1.4 million TB deaths over the next five years.

That would result in a setback of at least five to eight years in the fight against TB bringing 2021 global TB incidence and deaths to levels not seen since 2013 and 2016 respectively due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We thank you in advance for your support of the Union's efforts to prevent these potential TB deaths caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and our ongoing efforts to Stop TB. The magnitude of the effect of COVID-19 and the sheer numbers of people who will die from TB are alarming. We appreciate your joining the movement and becoming a Union supporter today to help end the scourge of COVID-19, Stop TB, Fight big tobacco and improve lung health around the world.