REACH Wins Global Kochon Prize for TB Contribution

REACH RECEIVES GLOBAL KOCHON PRIZE FOR TUBERCULOSIS CONTRIBUTION

WHY IN THE NEWS ?

India’s Resource Group for Education and Advocacy for Community Health (REACH) has received the Kochon Prize 2026, becoming the first Indian civil society non-profit organisation to earn this international recognition for its contribution to tuberculosis prevention, treatment and community-based healthcare.

KOCHON PRIZE 2026: REACH’S ACHIEVEMENT

• Award Recognition: REACH has received the Kochon Prize 2026 for its significant contribution to strengthening India’s response to tuberculosis (TB).
• Historic Achievement: It has become the first Indian civil society organisation to receive this prestigious international award.
• Awarding Institutions: The prize is presented by the Kochon Foundation, an independent South Korean non-profit foundation, in partnership with the Stop TB Partnership.
• Joint Winners: The 2026 award is shared by three organisations:
  • REACH, India.
  • Centre for Health Solutions, Kenya.
  • Marshall Islands TB Control Program.
• Core Philosophy: REACH follows a holistic healthcare approach based on the principle of “Treat the person, not the disease.”
• Integrated Care: Its approach addresses not only medical requirements but also social, family-related, psychological and community-level barriers faced by TB patients.
• Community Participation: The organisation works with community health workers, TB Nanbans and TB Champions, who support patients throughout their treatment journey.
• Leadership: REACH’s chairperson and co-founder, Nalini Krishnan, highlighted the importance of understanding patients’ social realities to ensure inclusive healthcare.

REACH’S CONTRIBUTION TO INDIA’S TB RESPONSE

• Patient-Centred Approach: REACH focuses on the overall well-being of TB patients rather than limiting treatment to clinical interventions.
• Community Engagement: It mobilises local communities and families to improve awareness, treatment adherence and patient support.
• Women-Led Organisation: REACH has been recognised for combining community-based public health action with scientific and technical expertise.
• Expert Recognition: Former WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan nominated REACH, appreciating its sustained contribution to India’s public health system.
• Public Health Significance: The award highlights the role of civil society organisations in supporting government efforts towards TB elimination.
• Inclusive Healthcare: Its model demonstrates how community participation and psychosocial support can help reduce barriers to diagnosis and treatment.