Men at the end of a traditional hunting village feast in Djilor. TB is a contagious infectious disease transmitted through respiratory droplets containing bacteria. Transmission typically occurs through the air via coughs, sneezes, or spit, requiring only a small number of bacteria to cause infection. TB primarily affects the lungs, though it can spread to almost any organ in the body. Djilor, May 12, 2025.

Nurse Thioumane Diouf assists a patient at the Ndangane health centre. People affected by tuberculosis are among the most marginalized, facing significant barriers to care and catastrophic costs. Prolonged isolation and lengthy treatment often prevent patients from working, leading to income loss,and instability for their families. According to the World Health Organization, many tuberculosis cases are linked to five key risk factors: undernutrition, HIV infection, alcohol use disorders, smoking, and diabetes. Ndangane, May 13, 2025

Jeanne Marie Dieng with Fadu (right), a baby girl affected by a spinal deformity (gibbus) caused by vertebral tuberculosis, requiring regular medical follow-ups. Tuberculosis is particularly difficult to diagnose in children and remains a leading cause of illness and death among children and adolescents, with over one million new cases each year. Ndiagamba, May 14, 2025

The Joal-Fadiouth Cemetery, built on an island of discarded shells, is shared by Christians, Muslims, and Animists buried side by side—a rare symbol of interfaith harmony. In the fight against tuberculosis, an approach rooted in unity and solidarity is of vital importance in addressing both health crises and broader social challenges. With nearly nine million new cases each year and 3,800 deaths per day, tuberculosis remains one of the world’s most pressing public health threats, particularly for vulnerable populations. TB is still the leading cause of death among people living with HIV. Joal-Fadiouth, February 2, 2024

In the courtyard of her home, Bineta Sarr, a charismatic village ‘godmother,’ holds an illustrated brochure listing tuberculosis symptoms as defined by the World Health Organization: a prolonged cough (sometimes with blood), chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Produced by the PNT (National Tuberculosis Control Program) in collaboration with the StopTB Italia ODV association, the brochures are designed to be easily understood in a country with high illiteracy rates. Sarr leads a health education session to raise TB awareness among the women of her village. Ndangane, November 18, 2024

Ndgor, a former tuberculosis patient, works as a farmer at the Fleur de la Vie cooperative in Diofior, founded by StopTB Italia ODV to help reintegrate recovered patients into the workforce and promote financial sustainability for the healthcare project. Income from the cooperative’s fruits and vegetables supports the workers and their families, women’s health initiatives, creating a circular economy. Tuberculosis treatment is long—typically six to twelve months—and patients must often remain isolated until fully recovered. Untreated, TB can be fatal. Diofior, November 19, 2024

Jeanne Marie Dieng (right), a trained community health worker, distributes medication to a patient at the Ndiagamba Health Centre. These resourceful women manage non-clinical TB cases, encourage timely medical check-ups, monitor side effects, and support treatment adherence. Long-term TB therapy can significantly affect quality of life, as people with tuberculosis often face additional challenges such as social exclusion, addiction, and disrupted family ties. They also provide social and psychological support to patients and their families. Ndiagamba, May 14, 2025.

At the Diofior Health Centre laboratory, nurse Seny Bop examines a ' sputum smear ' under a microscope for traces of tuberculosis, assisted by senior biology technician Maïmauna Mballo Seck in the background. A ' sputum culture test ' could not be performed due to limited facilities and the 150 km distance to the regional reference laboratory. Diofior, May 12, 2025

An empty hospital bed at the Health Care Centre of Loul Sessène. Access to healthcare is often difficult due to socio-cultural barriers. Tuberculosis carries a heavy social burden. Stigma discourages people from seeking care or completing treatment. Women are particularly affected, often blamed, excluded from marriage, or divorced. These beliefs discourage people from seeking care or completing treatment, increasing the risk of severe illness and death. Through awareness and community support, trained women play a vital role in challenging stigma and fostering acceptance. Loul Sessène, 2024 January 30

Nurse Mayè Ndiaye (left) prescribes a sputum test for a patient suspected of tuberculosis at Diofior Health Centre. This mother sought testing after experiencing symptoms suspected to be tuberculosis, fearing she might infect her baby and her husband, who works. Diofior, May 12, 2025

Jenne Marie Dieng during daily monitoring activities in her village at Ndiagamba. Women community health leaders conduct active tuberculosis case-finding and awareness initiatives in this rural, resource-limited district, contributing to a 98% treatment success rate and helping to contain the TB outbreak. Today, 25 women remain active in the Fimela district, down from the original 50, as the fight against tuberculosis continues amid reduced international funding, including recent cuts to U.S. support. Ndiagamba, May 14, 2025