Statement: World TB Day

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of poverty. It has killed a billion people over the centuries. The overwhelming majority of cases are in developing countries, which struggle to provide the treatment that is readily available in the developed world. Less than a quarter of TB patients-most of whom are young adults-receive treatment, even though a complete course of medication costs just $10.

But TB is also a disease of neglect. To this day, although it is easily diagnosed and an inexpensive and effective cure exists, it continues to kill two million people every year. It is our responsibility as human beings to collectively commit our energy, resolve and resources to eliminating TB.

Today, we observe World TB Day 2004. We urgently need to intensify our efforts if we are to attain the upcoming target for 2005: to diagnose 70% of infectious TB cases and cure 85%. As we commemorate World TB Day, we must reaffirm our shared responsibility to promote global health by making effective and equitable use of the resources available to us.

World TB Day also gives us a chance to draw attention to the war against AIDS, which is a priority for me and for my Foundation. TB is the most common opportunistic infection and leading cause of death for people living with AIDS. To combat both epidemics, we need to strengthen the overall health systems in poor countries. That means that those engaged in the fight against TB have a direct stake in the fight against AIDS, and vice versa.

I especially want to thank “STOP TB Partnership”, which provides us with much-needed leadership and inspiration in this fight against TB.

I am honored to help mark this year's World TB Day and thank you for all you have done to help give future generations a world without TB.

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