A collection of photos depicting the reality of extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) was unveiled at a kick-off event Friday, October 3rd in New York City. Public exhibitions also debuted that evening in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Antarctica.
The photos are the work of James Nachtwey, an internationally renowned photojournalist for Time magazine. Though perhaps best known for his work depicting war and conflict, Nachtwey has recently spent significant time documenting the resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) and the emergence of XDR-TB.
Nachtwey's work earned him a 2007 TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Prize, which is described as the granting of a wish to change the world. Nachtwey's wish was that TB and XDR-TB be given the attention befitting such a stark threat to global health and that the recognition inspire a mobilization of resources to vigilantly fight TB.
In an attempt to grant this wish, Nachtwey's photos of XDR-TB patients will be displayed publically in cities across the globe throughout the months of October and November. The event announcing this initiative featured calls to action by Marcos Espinal of the Stop TB Partnership, Joanne Carter of RESULTS, Raj Gupta of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, James Nachtwey, HIV/AIDS and TB activist Winstone Zulu, and musician Paul Simon.
Speakers summoned individuals to take action by asking the US presidential candidates to support the establishment of a TB initiative, similar to the President's Malaria Initiative and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
In response to the event, Senators John McCain and Barack Obama both issued statements in support of the fight against XDR-TB.
Drug-resistant strains of TB are a man-made tragedy. Today's antiquated treatment regimens are difficult and burdensome to complete and incomplete or inconsistent treatment leads to drug resistance. New tools, including novel, faster-acting drugs, improved diagnostics, and vaccines, are needed to limit the emergence of drug-resistant strains and more effectively treat drug-resistant TB.