Activities

The Union Institute includes five scientific Departments: Tuberculosis, HIV, Lung Health and Non-Communicable Diseases, Tobacco Control and Research, all of which offer technical assistance, conduct research and provide training designed to build capacity and skills.

Peru - Huancayo. A lab worker notes the results of sputum tests from TB patients - ©Jad Davenport

Technical Assistance

Technical assistance is provided to constituent member countries in accordance with The Union’s constitution and to other countries, agencies and organisations upon request. The aim of this assistance is to support the exchange of technology, skills and knowledge between technically advanced and developing countries as well as among developing countries themselves. The purpose is to promote, within the priorities of each country, national self-sufficiency in developing, implementing and evaluating programmes that strengthen health systems and services.

Education

Education has been central to The Union’s work since its inception. Union educational activities are directed at a wide range of audiences including health care providers at every level of the health care system; health programme managers; policy- and decision-makers, advocates and the media, patients and the general public. Principal educational activities are:

• national and international courses, workshops, and seminars
• international and regional conferences
• monthly peer-reviewed International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
• publications such as technical guides, and other resources
• scientific statements on key issues
• joint meetings, reports and recommendations.

Research

Research is conducted by all of The Union’s scientific departments, often in collaboration with affiliated Research Units and external research institutions and organisations. The Research Department comprises the Centre for Operational Research, the Clinical Trials Division and the Health Policy Research Unit. In addition, The Union fosters research around the world through:

• Scientific Sections, Sub-Sections and Working Groups, made up of Union members who organise symposia for Union conferences, conduct research, and carry out other projects according to their mandate
• Collaborating Centres, organisations that work with The Union on joint projects, including research, training, and development of educational materials.

The Ethics Advisory Group (EAG) was established to advise The Union about ethical issues encountered in the course of its activities. Where Union staff or consultants have a stake at any level in research, the protocols are required to be submitted for approval to the EAG. The EAG is mandated to promote ethical thinking and action in The Union through publications, conference sessions and courses It consists of six members of varying professional and experience backgrounds, as well as a panel of consultants.