Myths, Misunderstandings and Stigma

India

People with TB often suffer from discrimination and stigma, rejection and social isolation.  It is not uncommon for a man to leave his wife if she develops TB, and if she is not already married the stigma attached to TB may prevent a woman from finding a husband.  These intangible costs result in depression, anxiety and lower life satisfaction, further adding to the burden of TB. 

Zambia

There are a lot of misunderstandings surrounding TB treatment in Zambia - some people believe that people die when they go on TB treatment, so they don't come forward for treatment.  In some ways this is a self-fulfilling prophecy - because if people only start TB treatment when they are in the advanced stages of the disease and have given up on any other options, it is often too late to save them.

Some people also believe TB treatment has side effects like change in skin colour and hair texture, and so everyone will know that one is on TB treatment - and they fear that they will be discriminated against.

For Case studies of patients affected by discrimination and stigma click here.