In his recent book, Everything is Tuberculosis, author John Green sheds light on the ongoing challenge of tuberculosis (TB), a disease that continues to claim over a million lives yearly. He first became aware of TB’s modern realities during a trip to Sierra Leone in 2019. There, he met a teenager named Henry, who was battling the illness amid stark healthcare disparities. This encounter fueled Green’s curiosity and motivated him to explore why TB remains prevalent despite being curable for decades.
Green’s insights come at a crucial moment. A recent report from the World Health Organization reveals that while TB treatment has improved in many areas, access remains a significant hurdle, particularly in low-income countries. Statistics show that 1.5 billion people around the globe are affected by TB, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing dialogue and action.
At Tufts University, Green spoke about the pressing issues in global health, where he urged emerging medical professionals to focus on both treating patients and understanding broader systemic barriers. His talk generated a buzz among students eager to connect their medical training with the real-world implications of health disparities. “You can’t [solve] burnout for us,” remarked medical student Hasan Khan. “But that inspiration is why I’m here.”
Experts like Dr. Ramnath Subbaraman, an infectious diseases physician, echo Green’s sentiments, stressing the importance of humanism in healthcare. He pointed out that, despite the challenges of bureaucracy and funding cuts in global health initiatives, passionate healthcare workers can still drive positive change. For instance, recent trends show that low-income countries have begun producing their generic medications, reducing costs significantly.
Social media also plays a role in shaping public health discussions. In 2023, Green’s online community successfully pressured Johnson & Johnson not to enforce a secondary patent on a TB medication, a move that will help lower costs in 134 countries. This highlights how collective action can lead to meaningful change.
Throughout his discussion, Green emphasized hope and the ongoing story of humanity. “Today is the middle of the story of humanity,” he said. He encourages valuing every life and creating systems to support equitable healthcare access. These themes resonate strongly, especially as we navigate complex global health issues that require not only medical solutions but also an understanding of social dynamics and collective action.
