Our Mission Statement

"TB Alert exists to work towards the control and ultimate eradication of TB by increasing access to effective treatment for all."

It is understood that this mission will be achieved through:

Advocacy.  We advocate for greater global spending for TB work by working closely with UK parliament and government, international agencies, pharmaceutical companies, etc.  Read about our advocacy work.

Promoting awareness of TB.  We raise awareness (amongst the general public, non-specialist health professionals and at-risk groups) of TB as a global threat and as a disease resurgent in Britain.  We aim to ensure that cases of TB are diagnosed as early as possible and prevent further spread of the disease.Read about our UK awareness work.

Information and education.  We produce and support public, health professional and patient education resources, helping to ensure that patients continue their treatment to completion and avoid the risk of drug resistance. See some of our patient information.

TB projects which demonstrate best practice.  We support local NGO’s and other partner organisations to build innovative and sustainable TB control programmes which focus on the social and cultural issues around curing TB.  Our priority is to reach marginalised groups such as women, refugees and people with HIV. In the UK we will work closely with the NHS in order to complement, not duplicate their efforts. Read more about our projects - click on the various countries and projects to find out more.

Strategic initiatives.  In the UK and overseas we may also undertake our own initiatives in support of our mission. Read about an initiative we are planning in Zambia.

Facilitating learning.  All of our projects are encouraged to share ideas and solutions to increase the sustainable benefit from our funding. For example ideas from a project in India about using pictoral examples of symptoms for people who cannot read are helping us to develop accessible awareness information in the UK. Our TB treatment diary in the UK has been used as part of a booklet for children in Malawi.

Our Approach

Promoting the voice of people affected by TB – because TB often affects people who are poor and marginalised  and whose voice is not always heard.  Hear the voice of Winstone Zulu, TB survivor and TB Alert Southern Africa Representative. WIndows media Hi | Lo

Community Participation.  Our projects can only be effective with the full support of the communities in which they work.  Where possible we use local volunteers and make the best use of local talent and experience when recruiting paid workers. Read about a project in Zambia which trains local women as Home Based Care volunteers to support members of their own community through the long TB treatment.

Confronting the issue of poverty.  TB is a disease of poverty and one which makes patients poorer.  We believe access to TB treatment is a fundamental human right – regardless of nationality, status, gender or financial resources.  Read about TB and poverty.

Tackling stigma and discrimination.   TB, like leprosy and HIV, carries a stigma which can prevent people coming forward for treatment.  All of our projects aim to fight discrimination against TB patients.Read about TB and stigma.

Effective use of resources.  We commit to raising money in a cost effective and ethical manner, and using our financial and human resources effectively and sensitively.We rely on voluntary sources of income for the majority of our income and we will continue to raise money in a cost effective and ethical manner. Read about our fundraising and how you can help.

Using and creating effective networks and alliances: both networks of support for those affected by TB, and networks of organisations active in working for its control. TB Alert is a StopTB Partner and an organisational member of the IUATLD.