What we do

The Union was founded in 1920 as the International Union Against Tuberculosis, when 31 countries banded together to fight one of humanity's oldest and most devastating infectious diseases. Today The Union is both a non-profit Institute with four scientific departments and 14 offices worldwide and a federation of close to 3,000 member organisations and individuals who are committed to the same goals.

The Union's activities address major health challenges facing low- and middle-income populations, including: Tuberculosis, HIV , Lung health (including Child Lung Health), Non-communicable diseases, Tobacco Control.

While these health problems occur in all parts of the world and every sector of society, they create the greatest burden amongst the poor. It is to the alleviation of this burden that The Union dedicates its work.