Stop TB Partnership

Advocates gather to hone TB messaging at the Union conference

30 October 2011 - Lille, France - For the fifth year running, TB Alert ran an ‘Advocacy Corner’ booth at the Union World Conference on Lung Health. The booth provided a hub for delegates to discuss recent successes in TB advocacy and how to improve future efforts.

This year, sessions focussed on sharpening global messages on TB and explored the use of tools such as social media for reaching new audiences. Topics discussed included new tactics in advocating for TB vaccine research, community engagement in advocacy in India and how to take forward WHO Europe's multidrug-resistant TB action plan.

At the end of the conference more than 100 advocates and other delegates visited the corner for an "aperitif" and networking session. Delegates were invited to write their TB advocacy messages on display panels. Messages included:

People affected by TB have voices. Let them be heard
Information is the key. Little investment, huge impact
Translation is VITAL
Community engagement is the key
3 800 deaths a day when TB is curable - Shame!
No response to TB without people affected by TB
Education for eradication of TB stigma

View photos from Advocacy Corner on Flickr.