TB Alert - fighting Tuberculosis

Many people will remember Tuberculosis (TB) as a killer disease in the first half of the 20th Century. Sadly, even now we have a cure, TB still kills 3 people every minute worldwide and has been on the increase in Britain since 1987.

TB Alert was launched at Westminster on World TB Day (24th March) 1999. Its forerunner, the National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis (NAPT), changed focus in 1959 leaving Britain with no dedicated TB charity until our launch.

Our founding President, the late Sir John Crofton, was knighted in 1977 for contributions to TB control. Our Patron, the Archbishop Emeritus of Capetown, Desmond Tutu, had TB himself as a boy.

Our work includes:

• Promoting awareness of TB as a global threat and a disease resurgent in Britain. Even some doctors wrongly believe TB was eradicated in this country. Too many people still die or suffer long term health problems because their TB is not diagnosed soon enough.
• Supporting patients and health professionals with information and educational resources. We provide a Patient Support Fund – giving small grants to patients in need in order to help them complete their treatment; and a telephone and email help service for advice and emotional support.
• Supporting local organisations in developing countries to raise awareness and treat TB. TB often affects the poorest in society - and makes them poorer. We ensure treatment is accessible to everyone so patients are not prevented from continuing their work, education and looking after their families.