Who Will End TB? — A symposium on science, stigma, and community leadership
Last Friday, we had the privilege of bringing people together at KIT Institute for a conversation on a topic that felt both urgent and deeply human.
“Who Will End TB?” was a community-led symposium on TB, stigma, and society, organised by artist and TB advocate Paulina Siniatkina and Shaun Palmer from IAVI — just days ahead of World TB Day (24 March).
A list of images
-
Artist and TB advocate Paulina Siniatkina
The symposium brought together TB champions old and new: advocates, researchers, students, and healthcare professionals for frank reflection on the power of community leadership in the TB response. The half-day programme included a fireside conversation with people affected by TB, presentations on community-led innovation, and an open fishbowl discussion.
Paulina Siniatkina, who organised the symposium as part of the public programme of her exhibition Hospitality, reflected on what was at stake:
“ When communities take leadership in the TB response, the distance between where we are and where we need to be becomes much shorter. Change is closer than we think, but only if we act together. ” ”
Mirjam Bakker, Senior Epidemiologist at KIT Institute, who co-hosted the event, added:
“ The personal stories shared by people who have experienced TB, brought to life through Paulina's beautiful art, were incredibly powerful. The discussions throughout the day reinforced how essential strong community involvement remains in our work. ” ”
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our partners: TB People Global, IAVI, KNCV TB Plus, Delft Imaging, and the Stop TB Partnership.
