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Statement by H.E. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher,
Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy
See, at the
High-level Meeting on Tuberculosis
22 September 2023
Mr. President,
The Holy See welcomes the holding of this high-level meeting on
tuberculosis, which remains an issue that “require[s] urgent political
attention, above and beyond all other commercial or political interests.”[1]
Tuberculosis is indeed a leading cause of death worldwide and the highest cause
from a single infectious agent.[2]
People in every corner of the world suffer from this illness, but mostly in
developing countries.
Thankfully, important progress has been made since the first high-level meeting
in 2018. To begin with, a number of countries have significantly lowered their
tuberculosis incidence. In addition, the target of providing six million people
living with HIV with preventive tuberculosis treatment between 2018 and 2022 was
exceeded, with an estimated 10.3 million people reached, while shorter duration,
all-oral treatment regimens are both available and recommended.
Nevertheless, significant gaps remain, many of which have been
exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the sole, century-old vaccine
that exists is only administrable to very young children, but remains
ineffective on tuberculosis of the lungs, hobbling prevention efforts. This
means that millions lack treatment, especially children, and persons with
multi-drug resistant tuberculosis are at particular risk, despite heavier
regimens.
Mr. President,
The effects of poverty, particularly malnourishment, are associated with a
significant proportion of new cases. Meanwhile, the costs related to treatment
cause financial hardship for half of tuberculosis patients and their households.
Addressing these aspects requires renewed dedication and commitment.
In addition to the work and assistance provided on the ground by many
Catholic faith-based organizations, the Holy See has been working hard to
address tuberculosis, particularly in children. To give a new impetus at
international level, the Holy See held the Rome Dialogues on Pediatric HIV and
Tuberculosis. First convened by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human
Development in 2016, the dialogues have brought together States, United Nations
agencies, faith-based and civil society organizations, academia, and
pharmaceutical companies to address gaps in diagnosing and treating children
with HIV and tuberculosis. The resulting pledges have included: developing
child-friendly treatments and increasing their availability, including for
shorter duration regimens; bettering diagnostics; and improving affordability
for testing and treatment. At the 6th Dialogue, held last December,
several commitments were dedicated to improving testing materials and the
availability and treatment for children and pregnant, post-partum, and nursing
women, including through more inclusive study protocols. These actions are key
to ensuring a more integrated, family-based approach to tuberculosis care,
especially for children.
Mr. President,
There is still much work to be done in preventing, diagnosing, and treating
tuberculosis. As Pope Francis often points out, “the plight of the sick is a
call that cuts through indifference.”[3]
Therefore, the Holy See is confident that together we can end the tuberculosis
epidemic, and pledges to continue doing all that it can to eradicate this
illness.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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