Guest Lecture: Advancing Global TB Elimination Efforts through Innovations in Treatment

On Friday, November 22, 2024, the Master of Tropical Medicine Program at Faculty of Medicine-Public Health and Nursing (FK-KMK) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted a highly anticipated Guest Lecture that brought together local and international expertise in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). The session featured Dr. Onno Akkerman, MD, Ph.D., a leading expert from the University of Groningen, Netherlands, and was moderated by Dr. Antonia Morita, Ph.D., a distinguished faculty member and researcher from FK-KMK UGM. Held in the Auditorium on the first floor of the Tahir Foundation Graduate Building, this event focused on the critical theme: “Updates for New TB Treatments & Potential Contributions in TB Elimination.”

The session aimed to shed light on the latest advancements in TB treatment strategies and their pivotal role in achieving the World Health Organization’s End TB Strategy targets, as well as their alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Key Highlights from the Lecture

Dr. Akkerman presented comprehensive insights into cutting-edge TB treatment regimens, including the findings from landmark studies such as STUDY 31 and the SHINE Trial, which have pioneered shorter and more effective TB treatment protocols. He highlighted the four-month rifapentine-based regimen, which has demonstrated non-inferiority to the traditional six-month regimen, and its potential to revolutionize TB treatment by improving patient compliance and reducing the global disease burden.

Moreover, Dr. Akkerman shared updates on new drug combinations and their efficacy in treating both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB. Trials like the NiX TB Trial and ZeNix TB Trial were also discussed, underscoring breakthroughs in the treatment of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) using shorter, all-oral regimens with improved success rates. These innovations represent a critical step forward in addressing the persistent challenges of TB treatment, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Interactive Discussions and Expert Insights

Moderated by Dr. Morita, the session facilitated an engaging dialogue between the speaker and the audience, comprising medical professionals, students, and researchers. Key topics included the operationalization of shorter treatment regimens, strategies to overcome drug resistance, and the socio-economic implications of TB on vulnerable populations. Dr. Morita skillfully connected the discussion to Indonesia’s specific challenges in combating TB, fostering a rich exchange of ideas on how global innovations can be tailored to local contexts.

One of the significant takeaways was the call for stronger collaborations between researchers, policymakers, and healthcare providers to ensure equitable access to these life-saving treatments. Dr. Akkerman emphasized the importance of integrating these medical advancements into national TB control programs, with a particular focus on strengthening health systems in high-burden countries like Indonesia.

Linking to the SDGs and the End TB Strategy

The lecture emphasized the strong connection between advancements in TB treatment and the achievement of the SDGs. Dr. Akkerman highlighted how reducing TB mortality and incidence directly contributes to SDG Goal 3, which calls for an end to epidemics of major diseases, including TB, by 2030. He also underscored the importance of partnerships at all levels—local, national, and global—to accelerate progress toward these targets.

The End TB Strategy was another focal point of the discussion, with Dr. Akkerman detailing its ambitious goals to reduce TB deaths by 90% and cases by 80% compared to 2015 levels. He stressed that achieving these targets requires the adoption of innovative diagnostic tools, efficient treatment regimens, and sustained investment in research and development.

Strengthening FK-KMK UGM’s Role in Global Health

This Guest Lecture is a testament to FK-KMK UGM’s commitment to advancing global health through education, research, and advocacy. By hosting world-class experts like Dr. Akkerman, the program not only enriches the academic environment but also empowers its students and faculty to contribute meaningfully to global health initiatives.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where participants explored the practical implications of the discussed treatments and posed critical questions about the integration of these innovations into Indonesia’s healthcare system. Participants left the event inspired to take bold steps in their respective fields to combat TB and contribute to the collective goal of a TB-free world.

A Call for Action

As TB continues to pose significant public health challenges globally and in Indonesia, events like this Guest Lecture play an essential role in raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration. The advancements shared during the session provide hope for a future where TB is no longer a threat to global health. With the commitment of institutions like FK-KMK UGM and experts like Dr. Akkerman, the vision of ending TB is closer to becoming a reality.

This successful event underscores the importance of sustained efforts in education, innovation, and action to tackle one of the world’s oldest and deadliest diseases. Together, we can achieve the ambitious targets set by the SDGs and the End TB Strategy, paving the way for healthier communities worldwide.

Writer: Fikri Wahiddinsyah