UNMASK STIGMA | Wear a mask to help eradicate TB stigma - Join the challenge on http://unmaskstigma.org/#challenge

Dr Mario Raviglione,
Director of the Global TB Programme at the World Health Organization (WHO)

Hallo friends!,
Look at my mask: "ZERO STIGMA". It is to remind all of us what patients with TB have to go through when they are with family, friends, colleagues and people. How would you feel if I were walking around with this mask in your schools, work places, airplanes or simply on the street? I imagine that you, along with many others, will do your best to avoid me, to keep me away, out of fear that I will transmit TB infection to you

People with TB suffer from this isolation, this terrible solitude. Yet they need their mask to prevent transmitting to others when they are still contagious. That is why we must help them and get rid of the stigma that surrounds tuberculosis! Let us un-mask the fear and unleash solidarity for all people who suffer from TB.

If your wife has TB then stand next to her, don't abandon her; if your neighbour has TB then keep treating him as such, don’t isolate him; if your employee has TB, don’t sack him, help him take treatment. I call today for ZERO STIGMA and ZERO DISCRIMINATION against people with TB!

Dr Mario Raviglione,
Director of the Global TB Programme at the World Health Organization (WHO)

Have you ever had to wear a mask in public? How would it make you feel? And those around you? Most of us will hopefully never know the profound stigma and isolation experienced by people ill with tuberculosis, even though the difference could be only a breath away.

Stigma manifests in many unintended ways, but is particularly visible in the uncertain manner we react to masks: ‘Same’ or ‘Other’? Well or unwell? Safe or not safe?

" An infection that still claims one life every 18 seconds..."

And yet the only difference is an infection. An infection that can and must be cured in all of us. An infection that still claims one life every 18 seconds, fuelled by false beliefs and misplaced fear.

Let's change these mistaken responses, by starting with our own. Wear a mask on World TB Day, 24 March, to remind your society: anybody can get TB and everybody needs support. Behind the masks we are all the same. 

• unmask (verb): expose the true character of or hidden truth about.

• stigma (noun): a set of negative and often unfair beliefs about a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

Previous #UnmaskStigma Activities

Challenge Terms and Conditions

Share photos of how and where you unmasked stigma. Post your image using: #UnmaskStigma (Activity, Location, Country) on Twitter (and change your profile picture!) Or email unmaskstigma@gmail.com.

The most touching, startling, creative and/or original photos will be shown in this gallery. All correctly hashtagged images will be entered into a lucky draw - grand prize to be announced...

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