Author: HVV

Today we share what was voiced from the stage of the Union World Conference on Lung Health 2025 — the voice of a community that lives with TB, fights for others, and refuses to let the world look away.

At the Opening Ceremony, TB survivors, people affected by TB, and civil society organizations from every region — Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe — stood together to speak the truth.

The truth about what is happening right now:
People are dying, losing income, facing treatment alone, and unable to access support due to global financial cuts.
When funding disappears — so do lives.

We honored with a minute of silence everyone we have lost — and everyone still fighting. We stood shoulder to shoulder, including in solidarity with countries that could not be present because of conflict, budget cuts, or crisis. The empty spaces on that stage were not symbols. They were people.

Our collective statement to the world was clear:

• When communities are silenced — TB wins.
• The most vulnerable always pay the highest price.
• More than half of children with TB remain undiagnosed and miss out on lifesaving treatment.
• Stigma and discrimination continue to destroy lives.
• Social support — food, transport, even small assistance — saves lives.
• No vaccine or test can work without systems that trust people and include them.
• Funding cuts are not technical decisions. They are political decisions — and they cost lives.

We said:
👉 The world is stepping away from the values of solidarity exactly when they are needed the most.
👉 Global challenges require global responsibility.

If we truly want to end the TB epidemic, we need investments in communities — the first responders, the last-mile workers, the people who hold this response together every single day. Those who cannot afford to lose hope.

At the end, we repeated the words that have become our collective symbol:
“It’s now or never — if you are with us, stand up and show you care.”

This was not just a statement. It was a moment when our shared truth echoed across the world. And we will keep speaking — until every person, every child, every family receives dignity, protection, and a real chance at life.

Towards a TB-Free Future Public Union Conducted an Event within the “TB-Free Azerbaijan Campaign” Project at Absheron Regional Hospital with the Financial Support of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan

 

On 5 June 2026, the Towards a TB-Free Future Public Union organized another awareness-raising event at Absheron Regional Hospital within the framework of the “TB-Free Azerbaijan Campaign” project. The event was held as part of a project implemented with the financial support of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The primary objective of the meeting was to increase public awareness of tuberculosis and to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis. Healthcare professionals, patients, and citizens representing different age groups participated in the event. Participants received detailed information about the causes of tuberculosis. The main symptoms of the disease were explained in a clear and accessible manner. Particular emphasis was placed on the airborne transmission of tuberculosis. Attendees were informed that early medical consultation has a direct impact on successful treatment outcomes. Information was also provided on the availability of modern diagnostic methods. Participants were reminded that tuberculosis treatment is provided free of charge by the state.

 

During the training session, common misconceptions surrounding tuberculosis were discussed. It was noted that stigma often prevents individuals from seeking timely medical care. An open exchange of views was conducted with participants. Their questions were answered comprehensively. Various concerns related to the disease were addressed and discussed. The protective role of a healthy lifestyle was highlighted. The importance of maintaining a strong immune system was explained. Special attention was given to the role of social support during the treatment process. Participants were informed about the importance of protecting patient rights. It was once again emphasized that tuberculosis is a fully curable disease.

 

Informational materials prepared within the project framework were distributed to participants. The importance of ensuring broad access to awareness-raising resources was underlined. Opportunities for future cooperation were also discussed during the event. Participants exchanged views on the outcomes of collaboration between healthcare institutions and civil society organizations. The objectives of the campaign were positively received by attendees. The meeting made a significant contribution to improving knowledge and awareness about tuberculosis. The training generated considerable interest among participants. Similar activities are planned for the next stages of the project. The Towards a TB-Free Future Public Union will continue its efforts in the fight against tuberculosis in Azerbaijan. The “TB-Free Azerbaijan Campaign” project continues to demonstrate its value as an important initiative contributing to the development of a healthy and informed society.

Members of the TB people network from across Europe took part in the 2-day Peer-Led TB Support Workshop held on May 19–20, 2026, in Oslo, Norway.

Representatives of TB people Ukraine and partners from Moldova (Societatea Moldovei împotriva Tuberculozei – SMIT) actively contributed, sharing their experience in supporting people affected by TB. Notably, TB people Ukraine presented the OneImpact platform, demonstrating its role in strengthening patient support, monitoring barriers to care, and amplifying community voices.

 Oxana Rucsineanu from Moldova shared her insights on the peer support landscape in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting current practices, challenges, and opportunities for further development.

Participants presented peer-to-peer support models, practical community-based tools, approaches to improving treatment adherence, and key challenges faced by patients. Their contributions underscored the importance of lived experience in shaping effective, people-centred TB services.

The workshop brought together participants from 14 European countries, fostering exchange, collaboration, and stronger community-led responses to TB.

The event was organized by LHL International Tuberculosis Foundation in partnership with TBEC and the Latvian Society against Tuberculosis, with support from the Norwegian Ministry of Health.

Despite significant progress in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), the psychological wellbeing of people affected by the disease remains one of the most neglected areas in global health. Too often, TB is treated as “the last problem on Earth,” rather than a complex challenge requiring a multidisciplinary approach.

On April 21, TB People community activist Paulina Siniatkina delivered a workshop for the TBnet network together with Anne van den Ouwelant (Trauma Company). The session focused on TB-related stigma, persistent myths, and the importance of trauma-informed and person-centred approaches when supporting people affected by TB.

Participants discussed how stigma and psychological trauma influence patients’ behavior — from the decision to seek care to adherence to treatment. It was emphasized that a sense of safety, trust in the healthcare system, and effective communication are critical for successful treatment and recovery.

Experts underlined that trauma-informed care must become a foundational element of the TB response. Even the most advanced TB treatment regimens and future vaccines will not reach their full potential if stigma is not addressed and the psychological needs of patients are not taken into account.

The initiative by TB People and TBnet reflects a growing understanding that an effective response to tuberculosis is impossible without integrating psychosocial support and respecting the dignity of every individual.

The organizers expressed hope that this is just the beginning of more systematic integration of trauma-sensitive approaches into TB work. While much remains to be done, there is also a real opportunity to transform TB care — making it more responsive, effective, and people-centred.

Paulina e also thanked Lorenzo Guglielmetti and Conor Tweed for their trust and support, and wished TBnet a happy birthday.