The Lilly MDR-TB Partnership was launched by Eli Lilly and Company in response to the growing threat of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Operating in over 80 countries, and with a specific focus on those countries hardest hit by MDR-TB (China, India, Russia and South Africa), the partnership is based on a multi-pronged approach that includes the following components: technology transfer to increase the MDR-TB drug supply; training to improve disease management and surveillance; and support for communities, including patient advocacy and workplace awareness and prevention programs.

In close collaboration with the WHO Green Light Committee, Lilly works to increase access to second-line TB medicines. Initially, it provided medicines at discounted prices; however, as demand began to exceed supply, Lilly began transferring the product and manufacturing know-how to produce its two second-line medicines to companies in China, India, Russia and South Africa. Lilly also partnered with Purdue University to provide assistance in safety, quality and business management to its manufacturing partners.

The Lilly MDR-TB Partnership also supports a variety of activities aimed at increasing health-care provider knowledge and disease surveillance. Partner projects include:

The International Council of Nurses' online "Global TB/MDR-TB Resource Center" for 13 million nurses worldwide. Launched in South Africa and the Philippines in 2005, this "train the trainers" has expanded to more than 20 countries;

Harvard Medical School and Partners in Health run an MDR-TB training Center of Excellence in Tomsk, Russia. PIH works with 5 Russian TB research centers to standardize MDR-TB training nationwide;

The International Hospital Federation has developed comprehensive TB and MDR-TB-control training manuals and distributed them to 65,000 hospitals and clinics in some 100 countries;

The World Medical Association has edited clinical MDR-TB guidelines targeted on physicians and has been training physicians worldwide.

The partnership also supports various community, advocacy and workplace initiatives. These include:

A World Economic Forum toolkit to increase TB and MDR-TB workplace awareness in India, China and South Africa;

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is implementing patient-support programs in over 15 countries, including public-awareness, psychological support, and food supplements for vulnerable populations;

The Advocacy Partnership and Global Health Advocates have been raising awareness on TB and advocating on behalf of patients.