Our priorities
The Mérieux Foundation combats the deadliest infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and acute respiratory infections, at international level. It prioritizes the fight against antimicrobial resistance and is also committed to addressing the threat of emerging and re-emerging pathogens.
Tuberculosis (TB) is the second deadliest infectious disease in the world after COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization, 80% of the 1.4 million deaths caused by TB in 2022 occurred in low- and middle-income countries. That same year, only two in five people with drug-resistant tuberculosis had access to treatment. TB is also the leading cause of death among people living with HIV.
Tuberculosis is primarily caused by an airborne mycobacterium that most often affects the lungs. It could be curbed if early diagnosis and treatment follow-up were made widely accessible.
The Mérieux Foundation combats tuberculosis in a comprehensive manner, from prevention to health coverage. It focuses on community-based interventions that target the most vulnerable populations, such as women and children. It also works to strengthen health systems and laboratories.
We specifically support operational research to better understand disease transmission pathways, improve diagnosis and treatment, and optimize treatment adherence and success rates.
We also promote the development of innovative diagnostic solutions to better meet the diagnostic and treatment monitoring needs of low- and middle-income countries. Leveraging our expertise, we support countries that are particularly affected by specific TB challenges, such as pediatric and extrapulmonary tuberculosis, or latent tuberculosis.
At the national level, we collaborate with tuberculosis control programs, contribute to the development of strategic national plans, and assist in their implementation, such as in Lebanon. Our efforts also extend to working with both national and local institutions to improve overall health systems, from sample transportation logistics to population screening initiatives.
In 2022
people died from tuberculosis
of TB cases and deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries
people with drug-resistant tuberculosis had access to treatment