Stemming from a tuberculosis patient organization ourselves, we see it as one of our key mandates to support the organizational development of community-based organizations. In addition to this, it is the most effective way to educate the community about TB, find people with symptoms, provide social and emotional support to people on treatment and their families, and also challenge the status quo of the health system.

Organizations of people affected by tuberculosis are also in the best position to reach out to key and vulnerable populations (KVP). Together with representatives from the KVP, and a peer- to -peer approach, we ensure that also the most marginalized people access tuberculosis prevention and care.

LHL International have been close partners with these organizations of people affected by tuberculosis: MKUTA, Paradiso and HDP for more than 15 years. Starting from a very small group of engaged people, they now have thousands of community volunteers, and they are key stakeholders in their country- also at policy level. Together, we reach hundreds of thousands of people every year, many who have poor access to health services or high risk for tuberculosis, such as miners, people who use drugs, prison inmates, school children, fishermen, factory workers and elderly.