Introduction

 

When drugs to cure TB were developed in the 1940’s and 1950’s it was confidently expected that TB would be eradicated.  However, in the 21st Century we are seeing higher levels of TB than ever before and in some parts of the world, such as in sub-Saharan Africa, rates of infection are actually increasing.

The situation is so serious that the World Health Organisation has declared TB a Global Emergency.  Every year approximately 9 million people develop TB and almost 2 million die.  Many more people, who die of AIDS, are actually dying of TB as TB is the leading cause of death for people who are HIV positive.

Target TB was set up in 2003 in response to this Global TB Emergency.  It grew from the Ryder-Cheshire Foundation, which had been working to control TB in India for many years.  Target TB has built on and developed the work of the Foundation and now works in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, East Timor, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda.

Aim and objectives of Target TB

Our overall aim is to eradicate TB

We will do this by pursuing these objectives:

1. Improving opportunities for treatment for people with TB
2. Reducing the suffering caused by TB to patients and their families through addressing the poverty associated with the disease
3. Working to reduce the stigma associated with TB
4. Addressing the particular problems caused by the co-existence of TB and HIV

And will achieve these objectives by:

5. Working with and through local partner organisations in the countries in which we work
6. Helping to strengthen the capacity of these organisations to undertake the work
7. Seeking funds to support its work and that of its partner organisations
8. Undertaking operational research to learn from the work of its own partners and other organisations and using this to improve patient services and care

For biographical details of Sue Ryder and Leonard Cheshire click here.