Research summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the greatest threats to global health: a third of the world’s population is infected, and the disease causes 1.4 million deaths each year. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the problem by seriously disrupting health services to treat TB. In addition, the tools currently available to control the disease are insufficient. We urgently need better diagnostic options and testing programs, especially in the context of COVID-19.
As Canada Research Chair in Translational Epidemiology and Global Health, Dr. Madhukar Pai aims to improve TB diagnosis and address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB health services. He and his research team also aim to get private providers more engaged in TB diagnosis and treatment and to improve the quality of care for patients. They are using translational epidemiology and implementation science to ensure that new or improved products, knowledge and policies will translate into saved lives.