The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) is a valued member of TB Alliance’s Global TB Stakeholders, bringing decades of leadership in child health, HIV and AIDS, and health systems strengthening to the global fight against tuberculosis (TB). With a mission rooted in ending AIDS in children and improving the health of families worldwide, EGPAF plays a critical role in advancing a more integrated, equitable, and innovation-driven TB response.
Bridging the TB–HIV Divide
TB and HIV remain deeply interconnected, particularly in high-burden settings where EGPAF operates. TB is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
EGPAF’s longstanding expertise in HIV care positions the organization as a key contributor to efforts that better integrate TB and HIV services. Its work demonstrates how combining these approaches, especially within community and family-centered care models, can improve outcomes and strengthen health systems. This perspective is key to TB Alliance’s whose mission requires not only achieving scientific innovation but translating into real-world impact.
Elevating Pediatrics in the TB Response
Children have historically been underserved in the global TB response, facing significant gaps in diagnosis, treatment access, and appropriate formulations. EGPAF’s focus on children and families brings critical attention to these challenges. By integrating TB services into pediatric HIV and maternal and child health programs, EGPAF helps ensure that children at the highest risk are not left behind.
TB Alliance developed child-friendly TB treatments that have been procured in volume to treat more than two million children across 120+ countries. Work to develop and earn approval for a pediatric form of pretomanid is ongoing. Meanwhile, TB Alliance is planning a more aggressive approach for sorfequiline and the SPaL regimen, hoping to reduce the time between approval in adults and children. EGPAF’s expertise in pediatrics ensures they are both a valuable resource and advocate for ensuring TB Alliance’s product development strategies are responsive to the needs of children.
A Shared Commitment to Scientific Innovation and Access
Both EGPAF and TB Alliance share a core belief: ending TB requires not only strong health systems and advocacy, but also continuous scientific innovation.
TB Alliance focuses on developing faster, safer, and more effective TB treatments, including regimens for drug-resistant TB and children. EGPAF strengthens this work by advancing equitable access, supporting implementation, and ensuring innovations are embedded within existing care platforms. Together, these complementary approaches help accelerate progress toward a more effective global TB response.
Leadership Strengthening the Stakeholder Community
Dr. Doris Macharia, President of EGPAF, was recently elected President of TB Alliance’s Global TB Stakeholders and appointed to the TB Alliance Board of Directors. This will only strengthen the ties between TB Alliance and EGPAF, both operationally and in terms of vision.
Dr. Macharia’s leadership brings a powerful perspective at the intersection of TB, HIV, and child health. Her appointment underscores the value of stronger collaboration across disease areas and highlights the critical role of equity, innovation, and partnership in advancing global TB goals.
Dr. Macharia recently participated in the Global TB Stakeholders virtual forum.
Looking Ahead
EGPAF exemplifies the kind of partner needed to accelerate progress toward ending TB. Its expertise in TB and HIV integration, its deep commitment to children and families, and its focus on equitable, evidence-based care make it a vital contributor to the Global TB Stakeholders community.
As TB Alliance continues to advance scientific breakthroughs in TB treatment, EGPAF’s leadership and partnership will help ensure those innovations reach the communities that need them most – especially children and families at the center of the global TB epidemic.