TB and #6MonthsMax Treatments Featured Prominently in Dr. Tedros' Address at WHA78
The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly opened with a powerful speech from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, highlighting key milestones in global health, including the impact of six-month DR-TB treatments, and the urgent need for continued collaboration
A Pivotal Year for Global Health
Dr. Tedros emphasized that 2025 is a defining year, with Member States considering the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement—a landmark effort to strengthen global preparedness and response to future health crises. He acknowledged the tireless work of nations in reaching consensus, calling it a moment of triumph and resilience.
Progress in Disease Prevention and Treatment
The Director-General outlined significant achievements in tobacco control, noting that smoking prevalence has dropped by one-third globally since the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control was introduced. He also celebrated advancements in HIV treatment, with 77% of people living with HIV now accessing care, and highlighted new guidelines for hepatitis B treatment reaching 38 focus countries.
Major Strides in Tuberculosis Treatment and Vaccine Development
A key focus of Dr. Tedros’ speech was the fight against tuberculosis (TB). WHO has been driving improvements in TB care by enabling more people to be treated with better medicines, tested with better diagnostics, and supporting the development of better TB vaccines.
One of the most exciting developments is the pivotal phase 3 trial of a leading TB vaccine candidate, which recently completed recruitment in record time. Over 20,000 volunteers in South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, and Indonesia have enrolled in what could be the first effective TB vaccine in over 100 years—a landmark moment in global health.
Additionally, global treatment coverage for TB has reached 75% for the first time ever, marking a significant milestone in expanding access to care. WHO’s groundbreaking guidelines for shorter, fully oral, and more effective regimens for drug-resistant TB are aligned with the #6MonthsMax movement and transforming treatment. Dr. Tedros noted these treatments have been adopted in 109 countries. At Fast Track the Cure, we know we must keep up the momentum to ensure these life-saving regimens reach every person in need.
Strengthening Health Systems and Equity
Dr. Tedros reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to promoting health, providing care, and protecting communities—also priorities of Fast Track the Cure. He praised efforts to improve nutrition, air quality, and climate-resilient health systems, including partnerships to install solar energy in health facilities across multiple countries.
A Call to Action
The speech concluded with a call for global solidarity, urging nations to work together for a healthier, more equitable world. “We are here to serve not our own interests, but the eight billion people of our world,” Dr. Tedros stated. Our Call to Action as the Fast Track the Cure movement is aligned with the priorities expressed by Dr. Tedros—ensuring better, faster TB treatment for all will require the world to working together, and if we do, the reward is a healthier, more prosperous, and just world.