MHF TOP PICKS FOR AUGUST
Every month, we at the Mueller Health Foundation like to showcase interesting news and updates in the field of tuberculosis (TB). Below are our top 3 picks for August:
- Nurse-led Palliative Care for Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Tuberculosis Improves Patient Well-Being
A new study in Uganda has found that providing extra support through specially trained nurses can significantly improve the well-being of people being treated for drug-resistant tuberculosis. In the study, 154 patients received either the usual medical care or additional nurse-led care that focused on managing symptoms, offering emotional support, and helping with daily challenges, either in person or by phone every two weeks. After four months, those who received the nurse-led care felt significantly better overall, with a 5-point improvement on a well-being scale compared to those who received standard care. They were also more likely to stick with their TB treatment. These findings support integrating trained nurses to deliver palliative care concurrently with TB treatment, addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs as part of routine MDR‑TB care. To learn more, you can access the study at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(25)00173-1/fulltext
- New Study Moves Closer to Defeating Dormant Tuberculosis Cells
A new study led by the University of Surrey has made a major advance in combating dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis—the drug-tolerant “zombie” cells that can survive antibiotics and trigger recurrent infections. Researchers exposed over 500,000 genetically engineered TB strains to rifampicin and streptomycin long enough to select for persister cells. They then identified key genes that, when disrupted, made the dormant TB cells much less likely to survive. These genes play important roles in maintaining the bacteria’s protective cell wall, controlling its metabolism, and regulating self-destruct mechanisms within the bacteria.
DID YOU KNOW?
A new Lancet study demonstrates the critical importance of fully funding Global Fund-supported programs to maintain global progress against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. Between 2024 and 2026, an investment of $72 billion could save 4.4 million lives and prevent over 539 million new infections related to these diseases across 120 low- and middle-income countries. Tuberculosis, now the world’s leading infectious disease killer, stands to benefit significantly: For tuberculosis alone, the model estimates that scaling up investments could avert 6.2 million new TB infections over three years. Key findings include:
- Investments made from 2024 to 2026 could cut new TB cases by 28% and TB deaths by 36% compared to current trends.
- Approximately 1.5 million TB deaths could be prevented, including nearly 200,000 among people living with HIV.
- The scale-up would enable 15.5 million people to receive TB treatment, including 523,000 with drug-resistant TB.
- TB preventive treatment (TPT) could reach 30 million people, curbing future disease burden.
- Cost-benefit analysis shows that for every $1 invested, up to $20 in economic return could be realized due to avoided healthcare costs, reduced productivity losses, and long-term gains in health system efficiency.
With the Global Fund’s 2025 replenishment approaching, the study warns that insufficient funding could stall momentum, leading to millions of avoidable deaths. Strategic investment now is vital to protect public health and sustain decades of global progress against TB and other major infectious diseases.