United to End TB Every Word Counts

Publications - Released in 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world's most deadly diseases, killing three people every minute. Each year 9 million people develop TB and 1.5 million die from the disease. In 2014, the World Health Assembly unanimously approved a new End TB Strategy to end the global tuberculosis epidemic by 2035 – the first time governments have set a goal to end TB.

This should start with acknowledging that the language commonly used to speak about TB must evolve. Language influences stigma, beliefs and behaviors, and may determine if a person feels comfortable with getting tested or treated.

The authors describe how judgmental terms such as ‘TB suspect’ can powerfully influence attitudes and behaviour at every level – from inhibiting people to seek treatment to shaping the way policy-makers view the challenge of addressing the disease. The article also observes that the powerfully negative connotation of words such as ‘defaulter’ and ‘suspect’ place blame for the disease and responsibility for adverse treatment outcomes on one side — that of people with TB.

Organizations

  • Stop TB Partnership