On World TB Day this week Parliamentarians from around the world came together to call for renewed action against this disease which kills over 1 million people every year. The statement for action was signed by over 130 representatives from across the G7 countries and the European Parliament.

Matthew, one of the first MPs to sign, said: “Many people consider the disease to have been eradicated but TB is airborne, infectious, drug-resistant and found in every country in the world. TB has killed more people than any other infectious disease in history and still kills 1.3 million people every single year. The only way that we’re going to beat the disease is if we have coordinated, global action.”

Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords make up over half of all the politicians who have signed the statement, reflecting the fact that TB remains a significant problem in the UK. Parts of the country have rates to match those found in some of the worst affected countries in the world, and London has the highest rates of any capital city in Western Europe.

“I don't believe people really appreciate what a problem TB is,” said Matthew. “I am exceedingly concerned that in Hendon rates are nearly four times the national average and above the level that the World Health Organisation defines as ‘high risk’.”

Matthew has been working with the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Global TB to raise awareness of the disease and to call for political action.  He said: “I’ve written to the Public Health Minister about this issue and I’m delighted that the Department of Health will soon be launching a National Strategy on TB. This is an important step not only to controlling TB here in the UK, but also raising awareness about the disease.”

The Strategy is being led by the new government agency, Public Health England, whose TB team is based in the Hendon constituency.