Tuberculosis (TB) awareness will receive a boost on World TB Day (March 24), and beyond, in the form of a public service announcement slated to air on a number of U.S.-based cable networks, distributed through Dish Network. Additionally, Google has agreed to run a home-page promotion below their search bar to promote TB awareness on World TB Day.
The public service announcement, set to air in both thirty second and fifteen second formats, puts global TB mortality into perspective and empowers viewers by highlighting that, unlike many other deadly tragedies, TB can be stopped with enough public support and political will. Ultimately, viewers are encouraged to visit StopTB.org, which will offer an opportunity to make an electronic donation to the global fight against TB. The Stop TB website will also feature alternative means for visitors to get involved in the quest to end this needless epidemic. The spot, produced by the New York City based advertising agency, Seiter & Miller, and premiering the week of World TB Day, will continue to run through mid-April.
The digital space provides yet another frontier to grow TB awareness. To capitalize on that platform, Google has generously agreed to lend its support to World TB Day and will feature a text-based home page promotion displayed on March 24. Clicking on the text will lead to a Google-hosted page, which will educate readers about the current TB epidemic, and highlight potential action steps for those interested in doing their part to help stop TB.
The TB Alliance and its partners will also be participating in a number of global events to raise awareness of the TB epidemic and educate others about the progress being made within the TB drug development field. The 3rd Stop TB Partners Forum will be held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil from March 23 -25. This event provides a venue for constituencies to reach consensus on the way forward in pursuit of global targets for tuberculosis control and care, and an opportunity to forge new and innovative partnerships between members of the global TB community.
Held in Berlin, Germany from March 22-23, Public Health Measures to Fight Tuberculosis - What Can be Done?, is an international scientific symposium on TB epidemiology, diagnostics, surveillance, research, and public health measures,featuring an update on global developments in the advancement of TB drug research, delivered by Dr. Ann Ginsberg, Chief Medical Officer, TB Alliance.
More events in support of World TB Day can be found by visiting the World TB Day blog.
Please share these resources with your friends, families, and coworkers. World TB Day can serve as a unique opportunity to communicate to them that although TB remains a profound global burden, there is hope. Many are committed to stopping TB, and they need and appreciate your support!