Tuberculosis

The year 2006 will be remembered for the appearance of the extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) which is caused by a strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant not only to isoniazid and rifampicin but also to at least three of the six classes of second-line anti-TB drugs. 2006 will also be remembered by the international TB community for the major achievements reached in the field including the launch of the Stop TB Partnership for Europe. This new alliance brings together the leading European National Organisations involved in the fight against TB, under the leadership of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the WHO and the  Global Stop TB Partnership.

The ERS is also part of this new alliance and it is represented in the Executive Committee. Furthermore, the ERS involvement includes the "dissemination and promotion of best practice models for TB control" as well as participating in  events organised for World TB Day.