The fight against tuberculosis: lessons from the past, thoughts for the future

Stefan H.E. Kaufmann

Eminent Scholar Lecture

The Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us all that the book of infectious diseases cannot be closed. We need sustained vigilance and alertness not only about newly emerging infectious diseases but also about more established ones such as tuberculosis (TB). Despite numerous claims, this disease has still not been brought under control, notably in low-income countries of the global south. In my talk, I want to embark with you on a journey of this ancient disease by describing major highlights over the last millennia that ultimately led to our in-depth understanding of TB. Subsequently, I will describe novel approaches towards the control of TB including our own development of a novel and more efficacious vaccine. I will end with some food for thought on how to bring this enduring threat to an end as declared by the High-Level Meeting at the United Nations in 2023.

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