New working groups focus on current public health concerns
The Union is pleased to announce the formation of two new working groups that each address the synergy between different public health challenges. The goal of both working groups is the bring together Union members with varying backgrounds and expertise to advance knowledge in these areas:
TB and Mental Health
Studies have shown that people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders are at elevated risk for developing TB, because they face a variety of challenges ranging from poverty and poor living conditions to weakened general health and uncertain access to health care. They may also face significant barriers to successfully completing TB treatment.
The goal of the TB & Mental Health Working Group is establish a community of practitioners and researchers to advance attention to mental illnesses and alcohol and substance abuse in the context of tuberculosis care and control, through exchanging information, sharing practice ideas and experience, and identifying critical operational research and practice priorities. The main platforms for communication and discussion will be conference calls and emails. This working group is affiliated with the Tuberculosis Section.
Leaders: Adam Karpati, MD MPH and Annika Sweetland, DrPH, MSW
TB, HIV and Tobacco
The detrimental relationship between tuberculosis and tobacco use is well documented, but the impact of adding HIV into the mix has been less well explored. The goal of this working group is to elevate the joint research agenda on tobacco use, HIV and tuberculosis, through exchanging experiences among members regarding the integration of tobacco control with TB control programmes and HIV prevention and treatment programmes. The group will support publication of a review article outlining research gaps in tobacco control within TB and HIV programmes and will assemble and deliver special sessions on TB, HIV, and tobacco control implementation research in several different venues, as well as helping develop new strategies to integrate tobacco control efforts at national and international levels. This working group is affiliated with the Tobacco Control Section.
Leaders: Thomas E. Novotny, MD MPH and Kamran Siddiqi MBBS, MPH, PhD
Union working groups are formed by members of the four Scientific Sections to provide opportunities for members with shared interests to collaborate on research, publications and projects.
To join either of these working groups, please log in to your membership account at http://services.theunion.org and click on “Membership”, followed by “My membership details”, where you can then select your working group preferences. Please contact us at membership@theunion.org if you have any questions about either of these working groups. Please note that to join a working group, you must first be a member of The Union.