The solemn ceremony, presided over by Prof. Eduardo Díaz-Rubio, president of RANME, included a response speech by Prof. Enrique Moreno. Prof. Caminero's inaugural address, titled "The Dream of Eradicating Tuberculosis," received a standing ovation from academics, family, and friends present.
Prof. Caminero discussed the origins of pneumology and tuberculosis, highlighting that for centuries it was the deadliest disease globally. "Its enormous impact spurred the birth of Tisiology, the precursor to modern Pneumology," he explained.
Despite scientific advancements, tuberculosis remains a significant public health issue. According to the WHO, 1.23 million people worldwide died from the disease in 2024, with approximately 10.7 million new cases recorded. In Spain, 4,624 cases were reported that year.
A key obstacle to combating it is its close link to poverty. "Overcrowding facilitates airborne transmission of the bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while malnutrition weakens the body's defenses," he stated. Other risk factors include diabetes mellitus, HIV, smoking, and harmful alcohol consumption.
The new academic emphasized that economic inequalities decisively influence the disease's progression. He noted that migration movements are contributing to its return to Europe due to the precarious conditions faced by many migrants. "The greater the poverty, the higher the rates of tuberculosis," he asserted.
Although treatments can cure over 95% of patients, their usual six-month duration hinders adherence. Furthermore, the bacterium can remain latent for decades in infected healthy individuals, representing a vast reservoir of the disease: 1.7 billion worldwide. Prof. Caminero stressed the importance of strengthening control programs, early detection, and prevention.
He identified four key needs for eradication: a highly effective vaccine, new antibiotics capable of rapid cure, more sensitive diagnostic methods, and a fairer global distribution of wealth. "Eradication remains a legitimate dream, but still distant," he concluded.
Prof. Caminero, born in Valdepeñas, graduated in Medicine from the Complutense University of Madrid and completed his clinical training at Hospital Clínico San Carlos and his residency at Hospital Cantoblanco. Since 1986, he has been at the University Hospital of Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín, where he heads the Pneumology service. He holds a "cum laude" doctorate from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where he is currently a professor.
He has collaborated with the WHO and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in tuberculosis control across 94 countries. In 2021, he founded "Alosa TB Academy," a non-profit organization with over 100 experts.
He has delivered over 250 national and international courses and more than 500 lectures worldwide. In 2006, he gave the "Manuel Tapia" lecture for the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR), earning him honorary membership. He has also presented at major international congresses.
He has received numerous awards, including the 2018 Professional Career Award (National Medicine Award) from the Spanish Medical Colleges Organization and the "René Laënnec" recognition from the Latin American Thoracic Association (ALAT).
He has authored ten books on respiratory diseases, including four on tuberculosis that have served as references in Spain and Latin America. He has also published over 25 book chapters and more than 220 articles in high-impact scientific journals.
