Infectious diseases pose a global health security threat because of their ability to spread quickly and cross national borders.

One-fourth of deaths worldwide are attributed to infectious diseases. Limited reach of public health systems and poor quality of care, especially in vulnerable communities create conditions that are ripe for outbreaks. Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common cause of infectious disease-related mortality worldwide. 1.5 million people die of tuberculosis each year, and over 95% of cases and deaths are in developing countries.

A multidimensional approach is needed to strengthen the health system and build capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to this global epidemic. IRD is mobilizing cross-sector partnerships that radically extend our reach and implementing scalable, intelligent tools and strategies to bridge the health delivery gap.