On World TB day, I attended a celebration with Craig David, the British R&B singer. He is serving as a Goodwill Ambassador against Tuberculosis. The event was held at a gallery in the West Village of New York City.
Craig David spoke of his personal experience in Cape Town with a girl afflicted with TB. Her bravery to step out and admit she had TB to her classmates, in an environment where those with TB are often stigmatized, inspired him to try to reach out to people and try to make a difference. His first mission as GWA will take him to South Africa where he will participate in events surrounding the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"Music is a universal language," he said. "I believe that through people's love of music we can increase knowledge and understanding and support people affected by TB. I hope that people who feel inspired by my music will also feel moved by what I have to say about TB"
The event also showcased the amazing photographs of James Nachtwey, documenting tuberculosis in countries around the world. In his non-pretentious way, Nachtwey spoke humbly about how everyone can do something. As a photographer, he is able to give a face to TB for those who are unable to witness it.
One photograph that caught my eye was of a
man in what looked like a cage with a nurse
handing him a medicine bottle through an
opening. I was told by my colleagues that the
photograph was taken in a prison in Russia, and
that it is prisons and monasteries have some of
the highest rates of TB, but this is under
reported.
To catch more of Craig David' work go to the Stop TB Partnership site or follow Craig David on facebook
To watch Nachtwey's TED Prize acceptance speech on his XDR-TB project go to TED Talks: James Nachtwey fights XDR-TB. Go to XDRTB. ORG for a look at the amazing photographs.