What to know
The 2024 Tuberculosis Education and Training Network (TB ETN) and Tuberculosis Program Evaluation Network (TB PEN) Conference took place on September 17–19, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. This conference presented a unique opportunity for TB program staff to expand their understanding of TB education, training, and program evaluation.
Conference Highlights and Key Takeaways
The conference provided an opportunity for TB program staff to enhance their knowledge of TB education, training, and program evaluation. Over 180 participants from TB programs across the United States participated in a range of activities. This included skills-based workshops, informative presentations, round table discussions with subject matter experts, and networking opportunities. Faculty and staff included subject matter experts from across CDC, including:
- Division of Tuberculosis Elimination
- Division of Workforce Development
- Division of Global Migration and Health
- Division of Global Health Protection
Topics Explored
Conference breakout and plenary sessions explored a variety of subjects including:
- The impact of artificial intelligence on public health education and communication
- Improving identification and treatment for populations at high risk of TB
- Risk communication strategies
- Cultural considerations in newcomer communities' TB programs
- Strategies for enhancing contact investigation examination and treatment initiation
TB survivors from We Are TB, added a powerful dimension to the conference by sharing their personal stories and insights. They emphasized the importance of advocating for and supporting those affected by the disease.
Practical Insights for TB Programs
The conference dedicated sessions to important initiatives such as the Tuberculosis Centers of Excellence for Training, Education, and Medical Consultation activities. There were sessions on human resources development updates for TB education, training, and evaluation focal points, program evaluation survey design, and data analysis. Plenaries on health equity and TB and CDC's Think. Test. Treat TB campaign and the TB Elimination Alliance provided valuable forums for thoughtful conversations on these critical topics. A scientific poster session showcased 24 abstracts including four oral presentations.
The conference allowed TB program staff to expand their understanding of TB education, training, and program evaluation. Participants left the conference with new knowledge and skills to apply back in their TB programs.