WHO, International Diabetes Federation to Host Event on Tuberculosis, Diabetes

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) will co-host a hybrid event on April 8 titled “Bridging Gaps: Integrated Strategies to Address Tuberculosis and Diabetes” at the IDF World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, WHO website reported.

Participants will gain insights into the joint burden of these diseases, supported by the latest WHO guidance on managing TB and diabetes. The program will feature a TB survivor living with diabetes and experts from high-burden countries discussing the obstacles and opportunities for scaling collaborative efforts to combat both conditions. A panel discussion will focus on strategies for advancing universal health coverage and global health commitments.

According to WHO, TB remains the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, with 1.25 million deaths among the 10.8 million reported cases in 2023. Meanwhile, diabetes prevalence has surged to an estimated 828 million adults globally, with significant increases in low- and middle-income countries where TB is prevalent. The latest WHO guidance aims to promote people-centered care for those affected by both diseases within primary health care systems.