Event to showcase leading tuberculosis research

World TB Day, falling on 24 March each year, is designed to build public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and to promote efforts to eliminate the disease.

Leading research into TB will be showcased at an event at our University on Wednesday 22 March in celebration of World TB Day.

The University of Leicester event, entitled ‘Reality TB: The truth about TB in Leicester and how we are making a difference’, is organised by Professor Andrea Cooper and Dr Pranab Haldar (Leicester Tuberculosis Research Group leads) from the Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation and will comprise a series of short talks that focus on the experience of TB across different communities throughout Leicester.

The researchers will be sharing the work of the University Hospitals of Leicester and the University of Leicester that is at the forefront of UK TB research and is helping to overcome the reality of TB locally, nationally and across the world. 

Professor Cooper said: “Our goal is to acknowledge how much TB impacts our global population – it is as relevant today as in the past, despite medical advances. 

“Our work in Leicester has an impact across the world – we are living in a global society with freedom of movement a modern phenomenon. TB is a disease that we have struggled to control globally which has resulted in it overtaking HIV as the single biggest infectious killer.”

Dr Haldar added: “The University of Leicester recognises that more work needs to be done. We are privileged to work with our uniquely diverse local community to develop strategies together in the fight against TB.” 

The event will take place on 22 March, 12.00noon-4.00pm in the Frank and Katherine May Lecture Theatre, Henry Wellcome Building.