Tuberculosis-associated disabilities have always been a neglected issue, and we need more knowledge about risk factors, prevention, and treatment. Together with our partners in Malawi, Tanzania and Sudan, LHL International have demonstrated the effect of low-cost community led lung rehabilitation for people with post- tuberculosis lung disease; the participants reduced the symptoms drastically, they got increased mobility, and many could go back to provide for their families.

Tuberculosis- associated disabilities also have broader economic and social implications for individuals and households due to costs of accessing health care, and difficulties in undertaking daily activities and generating income for the family. In our project in Malawi, we found that 50% of people with post- tuberculosis lung disease lived in extreme poverty before tuberculosis, and this had increased to 73% one year after treatment. Poverty increases the risk tuberculosis, and tuberculosis exacerbate poverty.

Read more about the project here: PDF (Post- tuberculosis disability project).