Science and Technology Facilitates Tuberculosis Prevention and Control: Current Situation, Progress and Countermeasures postprint

Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB), a chronic communicable disease caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has harassed the human being for long-term and remains to be one of the major public health problems facing the world as well as the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. We are falling short of TB control targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN). To achieve the ambitious targets of global TB prevention and control, there is an urgent need for immediate action as well as science and technology breakthroughs (e.g., a new vaccine and drug) to rapidly reduce TB incidence worldwide. This study summarizes the current progress on global and China’s TB prevention and control, and analyzes the contribution of science and technology in TB prevention and control. Based on the above analysis, we propose the following thought and advice on strengthening TB prevention and control through science and technology: Strengthening the basic research of TB, developing new TB vaccines and drugs, developing new diagnostic techniques for TB, and perfecting the system to support and strengthen the safeguard measures. The purpose of this study is to promote the policy layout and practice innovation of scientific prevention and control of TB in China, thus speeding up the realization of goals set by the WHO End TB Strategy.