Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death from infectious disease in the world. According to theWorld Health Organization(WHO), about 10 million cases of tuberculosis (TB) are registered annually and, despite being a preventable and curable disease, about 1.5 million people die annually from the disease, making it the leading cause of death infectious in the world.

Also according to the WHO and the National Tuberculosis Control Program, Mozambique is on the list of countries with the highest incidence and mortality rate from TB in the world, as well as TB is the leading cause of death in patients with HIV in Mozambique, when the rate of drug-resistant TB in Mozambique is progressively increasing.

In order to raise public awareness of the devastating health and social consequences that tuberculosis has caused, and to intensify efforts to end the global epidemic of the disease, the WHO has designated 24 March as the World Day of Tuberculosis, date that marks the day that, in 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, which paved the way for the diagnosis and cure of this disease.

This year, this date is celebrated under the motto, “Investing in the elimination of Tuberculosis is saving lives”, which according to the WHO conveys the urgent need to invest resources to accelerate the fight against TB and fulfill the commitments made by global leaders, aiming to end TB.

In this context, the Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM) together with its partners, promote a reflection on tuberculosis in Mozambique, its challenges and perspectives, as well as on the role of research and investment to end the disease.