Tuberculosis Survival Project (TBSP)

This initiative uses the internet as a tool to bring people together who are living with MDR-TB. Developed by an author and journalist who is living with HIV and has survived MDR-TB, the Tuberculosis Survival Project website is meant to serve as a place for people to learn about TB, to share their stories, and to engage in one-on-one mentoring.

One strategy being drawn upon here is the sharing of information. News items, "useful links", frequently asked questions (FAQs), survival tips, and information about rights are amongst the features offered. An online book shop offers access to books (some of which were published in association with the Stop TB Partnership), such as "Overcoming Tuberculosis: A Handbook for Patients", an interactive booklet designed to help people adhere to TB treatment.

TBSP also uses technology to connect people. "One to One Mentoring" is provided via email for people who feel they need support, who are experiencing stigma, or who simply want to talk to someone who has had TB/MDR-TB (The website notes that this is not a medical advisory service). In addition, one may join an interactive "TB Patient Talk" online forum, which is run and moderated by the International Council of Nurses (ICN). The ICN encourages individuals living with TB or MDR-TB, or who have been infected with TB/MDR-TB in the past but are now cured, to share their experiences. The purpose of this forum is to provide a communication platform to discuss experiences related to TB treatment; issues concerning social and workplace support; changes in community or family behaviours after the TB diagnosis; or personal matters such as speaking about fear of isolation.

Health, HIV/AIDS.

Educated as a nurse but obliged to leave school in 1990 (because he tested positive for HIV), the man who launched this initiative has also written on the rights and responsibilities of health workers living with HIV.