Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

World Tuberculosis Day

24 March 2022 · 2 other contributors · 7,877 words

Opened by Virendra Sharma Lab Ealing, Southall

Responding minister: Vicky Ford

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Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Virendra Sharma raised concerns about world tuberculosis day in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • TB is the world's deadliest infectious disease, with 10 million cases and 1.5 million deaths globally in 2020.
  • TB disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in higher-income countries, including migrants and homeless individuals.
  • The UK government announced 6 million funding for TB REACH to pilot new approaches to combat TB.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Minister what more can be done to tackle the social determinants and key risk factors that increase the likelihood of someone contracting TB and how the Government plans to ensure that TB levels continue to drop in the UK?

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Virendra Sharma Lab Ealing, Southall

I am concerned about TB being the world's deadliest infectious disease before COVID-19, with 10 million cases and 1.5 million deaths in 2020 alone. The situation has deteriorated further over the past two years. In higher-income countries, TB is more commonly found among migrant communities, people with alcohol, drug or mental health issues, homeless individuals, and those with a history of incarceration. TB remains concentrated in urban areas such as London, where it accounts for 35% of cases in England annually.

Other contributors (2)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    He highlighted the rise in TB cases and deaths globally, noting a 9.2% increase in UK deaths between 2019-2020. He mentioned that 3 million people were missed by health systems in diagnosing TB, leading to continued transmission. Shannon also noted drug-resistant TB was becoming an issue with reductions in treatment numbers for both drug-resistant TB and preventative treatments. Thanking the Minister for positive responses, Jim Shannon requests the number of TB cases in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland compared with England.

  • Lyn Brown Lab West Ham

    TB is both preventable and curable but the WHO's targets are not being met. TB is a disease of poverty, and it keeps people in poverty worldwide. The UK has been one of the top funders of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria which estimates that its programme has saved 44 million lives. I have listened carefully and am not as dismayed as expected. I ask the Minister to provide details on spend related to TB, addressing real anxiety in the public.

Government Response

Vicky Ford

Acknowledged the importance of World Tuberculosis Day, reflecting on the disease's impact. Mentioned over 4,100 daily deaths worldwide and praised Ukraine's fourth-highest TB incidence in Europe prior to Putin's war. Announced £6 million funding for TB REACH to pilot innovative approaches. Highlighted the UK's role in establishing the Global Fund and its contributions of more than £4.1 billion since inception. Noted the 18% decrease in TB diagnoses during the pandemic, citing disruptions from TB services and care-seeking difficulties. Emphasised ongoing efforts to boost access to essential services, improve surveillance systems, and support health systems globally. Discussed research funding, including support for genome sequencing and new drug combinations reducing treatment time. Cited £36 billion investment over three years in the UK's healthcare system to support TB detection and treatment.

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