Indy Standard

Yesterday, the United States Senate unanimously passed the End Tuberculosis Now Act, legislation introduced by Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) to prioritize the elimination of tuberculosis (TB) in U.S. foreign assistance. By enhancing coordination and prioritization of research, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, this bipartisan legislation aims to advance and modernize U.S. engagement in the global effort to eradicate TB by 2035.

“Tuberculosis is a preventable, treatable, and curable disease. More than 25 years after it was declared a public health emergency, TB still remains one of the deadliest infectious health threats and often goes undiagnosed in many countries. Senate passage of this legislation is the first step in demonstrating U.S. leadership to find and treat TB, reduce the stigma, and better target this curable disease. I urge my colleagues in the House to take up this important bill as soon as possible,” said Senator Young.

Senator Young first introduced the End Tuberculosis Now Act in 2019 and reintroduced it in 2021 and 2023. In addition to mandating that the U.S. update its strategies to address tuberculosis with innovative diagnostics, therapies, and vaccines while aligning with the World Health Organization End TB Strategy, the legislation calls for enhanced coordination with the Stop TB Partnership and the Global Fund among other U.S. agencies providing bilateral tuberculosis assistance.

The legislation also requires annual reports to Congress about tuberculosis-related foreign assistance and developments in new technologies, alongside regular evaluations by the Government Accountability Office.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.