Public health round-up

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a call to action to end the routine exclusion of pregnant and lactating women from tuberculosis (TB) research.A new consensus statement, developed with over 80 global experts, outlines a framework to ensure equitable access to TB innovations for all, including those most at risk.Each year, about 200 000 pregnant or postpartum women develop TB, yet they are rarely included in clinical trials.This gap leaves vital questions unanswered and delays access to life-saving treatments and vaccines."The benefits of TB research must flow to all people with TB, including pregnant and lactating women, " said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, director of WHO's Department for HIV, TB, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections."It is time to prioritize their inclusion, not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental step toward equitable, evidence-based care."Key actions include closing data gaps, initiating timely preclinical studies, and ensuring inclusion in TB drug and vaccine trials while addressing legal, ethical and regulatory barriers.https:// bit .ly/3Ka1ckb