Unite to end TB: international meeting for ending TB, New Delhi, India, 21 March 2016

The WHO SEA Region is home to 26% of the world's population andaccounts for 41% of the global burden in terms of TB incidence.Tuberculosis affects the most economically productive age group of 15-49years and remains one of the largest causes of morbidity and mortalityamongst SEAR Member Countries. SEA Region has achieved MillenniumDevelopment Goals of halving and reversing the TB incidence, halving the1990 level of TB prevalence and mortality rates. The year 2016 also marksthe beginning of implementation of the WHO End TB strategy based onthe principles and targets enshrined in the World Health Assemblyresolution WHA67.1.On 21 March 2016, the government of India in collaboration withWHO/SEARO held high a level meeting called "Fast tracking access toquality diagnosis and treatment International Meeting for Ending TB" inNew Delhi and observed the World TB Day 2016 at this high levelmeeting. This international meeting reinforced leadership commitmentfor Ending TB in the region through bolder policy announcement andlaunching new initiatives. Member countries deliberated on the fasttracking TB decline and moving towards Ending TB in the region throughrenewed political commitment, bolder policies, enhanced partnershipand community engagement.