Vatican official calls for renewed efforts against tuberculosis

July 16, 2014

Speaking at a recent conference on tuberculosis sponsored by the World Health Organization and the European Respiratory Society, the president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers called for “more political will, more funding, more research, and more concerted efforts and resolve.”

“It has been rightly observed that tuberculosis is a disease that affects most the poorest, whether in low- income countries or in high-income settings,” said Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski. “In 2012, an estimated 8.6 million cases were reported, and 1.3 million people died from tuberculosis. The disease is particularly affecting the most vulnerable people: women, children, migrants, prisoners, homeless and in a disproportionate way those living with HIV/AIDS.”

“The Church taking from the example of Christ has always had the poor at heart,” he added. “Pope Francis in particular is well known for championing the cause of the poor and marginalized … He urges us to have a special concern for the poor and weak among us, putting them at the center of our attention, care, reflections and political activism; and also to recognize that care for the poor is demanded not only by charity, but by justice.”

 

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Further information:

• Una questione di giustizia (L’Osservatore Romano, p. 8)
• WHO develops an Action Framework for TB elimination in low-incidence countries (TB Europe Coalition)
• Vatican official opens global TB meeting (Vatican Radio)