Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB, TB) remains a global challenge. In 2020, 9.9 million people fell ill and greater than 1.5 million died.1 Despite these numbers, tuberculosis is curable yet required progress has been elusive. Approximately 1/3 of new people affected by TB are undiagnosed or detected but not reported and drug resistance is on the rise.1 Co-infection with HIV and other pathogens further complicate the patients diagnostic and care cascade. And while tuberculosis infects humans globally, the burden of disease has geographic patterns. The challenge is multifaceted and has worsened as a result of the global pandemic.1
As a community, we must work together to address this challenge.