CHDS’ Nicolas Menzies recently participated in a panel discussion on Advances in Genomic Surveillance and Tuberculosis Diagnosis, hosted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The panel, which also included Sarah Fortune, Chair of the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Carole Mitnick, Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine, and Vidya Krishnan, Journalist and author of The Phantom Plague, focused on the underdiagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide.
The discussion highlighted the growing recognition of asymptomatic TB patients and their role in spreading the disease. Experts stressed the need for better diagnostic tools and treatment methods to tackle the global TB crisis. Menzies pointed out that genomic surveillance is a key strategy for detecting and monitoring hard-to-diagnose TB cases. Panelists also noted the need for more research and resources to address the complexities of TB transmission, especially in asymptomatic carriers.
The conversation also focused on equity in access to TB care. Panelists agreed that the most effective solutions would come from affected communities. Drawing comparisons to the HIV/AIDS advocacy movement, experts discussed how TB activism, though in its early stages, could benefit from similar grassroots efforts to demand better treatment, policy changes, and resources. Menzies and others stressed the importance of partnerships between governments, researchers, and activists to ensure new treatments reach those in need.
The panel concluded by acknowledging the challenges of navigating global health systems that are slow to adopt new technologies. Menzies, Fortune, Mitnick, and Krishnan agreed that policy barriers and systemic inequalities continue to hinder progress in the fight against TB. They expressed hope for ongoing collaboration, recognizing that a community-led, multi-pronged approach is essential to improving TB diagnosis and treatment worldwide.
Learn more: Watch the full panel discussion on YouTube
Learn more: Read the HSPH article
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