October 2015

Stopping the body count: A comprehensive approach to move towards zero tuberculosis deaths, was the title of a two-day event at the Harvard Medical School Center for Global Health Delivery–Dubai where TB professionals from across the globe convened. The meeting launched a series of manuscripts published in The Lancet describing a comprehensive approach to drive down tuberculosis incidence far faster than current global rates of decline. Authors presented on topics from the manuscripts including active case-finding and prompt initiation of effective TB treatment, treatment of TB infection, addressing the biosocial determinants of disease, and using program data to target and monitor interventions. The series is designed to act as a roadmap for TB epidemic control.

The following manuscripts were presented:

• Data for action: collection and use of local data to end tuberculosis, David Dowdy
• Turning off the tap: stopping tuberculosis transmission through active case-finding and prompt effective treatment, Courtney Yuen
• Controlling the seedbeds of tuberculosis: diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis infection, Richard Chaisson
• Stopping tuberculosis: a biosocial model for sustainable development, Rifat Atun