What would it take to eliminate tuberculosis in the Eastern Mediterranean Region? (Editorial).

Twenty-five years ago, tuberculosis (TB) was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, TB still remained one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide in 2015. In 2014, the World Health Assembly (WHA) had approved a new global strategy to end TB that builds on successes achieved by the DOTS and the Stop TB Strategy. The End TB Strategy 2016-2035 envisions a world free of TB by pursuing policies that promote prevention and care, and encourage research and innovation, which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) calling for the TB epidemic to end by 2030. In 2002, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria - a partnership between governments, civil society, private sector and patients - was launched to raise significant funds to support programmes in countries and communities most in need.