Accelerating research to end tuberculosis in pregnant and lactating women

The consensus-building process 1 Note about language: Although the terms "women" and "mother" are used in this document, WHO recognizes that some people who become pregnant do not identify as a woman or mother.This call to action is intended to be inclusive of all who experience pregnancy, regardless of their gender identity.The terms "pregnant and lactating women" and "postpartum women" are also inclusive of adolescent girls who are pregnant, lactating or postpartum."Postpartum period" refers to the period up to 6 months after giving birth.To address these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) coordinated a consensus-building process to develop approaches for the earlier and optimal inclusion of pregnant and lactating women in TB research.The process included the establishment of five thematic working groups, covering the areas of preclinical TB research, TB therapeutics research, TB vaccine research, maternal TB surveillance systems and advocacy.The working groups developed key approaches on the most impactful measures that need to be taken to advance the earlier inclusion of pregnant and lactating women in TB trials.The final consensus meeting took place in February