2024: a year in research
Through a series of rigorous research publications, KNCV affiliated authors and partners have contributed valuable insights that deepen our global understanding of TB trends and also set the stage for innovative approaches in the years ahead.
Throughout 2024, KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation and partners devoted hours, days and weeks of work to build a stronger evidence anchor to inform future developments on tuberculosis (TB). Through a series of rigorous research publications, KNCV affiliated authors and partners have contributed valuable insights that deepen our global understanding of TB trends and also set the stage for innovative approaches in the years ahead. Our colleagues have authored a total of 41 scientific publications in 2024. These studies point out advancements in TB vaccine development, digital adherence technologies (DATs), management of drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), person-centred care delivery, and more, offering a clearer vision for the work needed in 2025 and onward. This was 2024: a year in research.
2024: A YEAR IN RESEARCH
The evidence generated and published this year was conducted under different methodologies, either qualitative, quantitative or mixed, and can be grouped into the following five themes:
TB diagnostics and technological innovations
Research efforts focused on novel diagnostic tools and methodologies, including Truenat rollout in Nigeria, stool-based tests for childhood TB, and the application of digital adherence technologies. Publications:
- Perceived ease of use of Truenat (Ihesie et al.)
- Impact of Truenat on TB diagnosis (Eneogu et al.)
- Diagnostic accuracy of stool-based testing (Yenew et al.)
- Digital adherence technologies in TB care (Gonçalves Tasca et al.)
TB vaccines and preventive strategies
Studies centered on the implementation and impact of new and repurposed TB vaccines, including the public health value of BCG revaccination and TB vaccine trials in Sub-Saharan Africa. Publications:
- TB vaccine clinical trial centre directory (Pelzer et al.)
- Potential impact of new TB vaccines (Sumner et al.)
- Mapping knowledge on TB vaccine implementation (Buis et al.)
DR-TB and treatment innovations
Research addressed challenges in the management of DR-TB through innovative regimens and decentralized monitoring systems. Publications:
- Experiences introducing BPaL (Wares et al.)
- Drug-resistant TB care and outcomes in Ethiopia (Tesema et al.)
- Bedaquiline pretomanid linezolid in Kyrgyzstan (Myrzaliev et al.)
Post-TB care and person-centred approaches
Evidence and insights into long-term health and well-being after TB treatment and differentiated care models were gathered throughout the year. Publications:
- Perceptions and clinical practices post-TB (Spruijt et al.)
- Smart pillbox feasibility in differentiated TB care (Tadesse et al.)
- Home-based services for TB preventive treatment for children (Salazar-Austin et al.)
Economic and public health impacts of TB
Evaluating the financial burden of TB treatment, cost-effectiveness of regimens, and the broader public health implications. Publications:
- Financial burden of TB diagnosis in Ethiopia (Assefa et al.)
- Cost comparison of TB regimens in Nigeria (Bada et al.)
- Modeling health impacts of TB vaccines (Sumner et al.)
These collaborative research efforts have the potential to transform the landscape of TB prevention, diagnosis, and care. This was 2024: a year in research.
These and more articles can be found in our publications dedicated page here.
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