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.

Global Kochon Prize for Tuberculosis

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.

ABOUT TUBERCULOSIS AND GLOBAL INITIATIVES:

●      Tuberculosis: TB is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, although other organs can also be affected.

●      Transmission: It spreads through the air when infected individuals release infectious particles while coughing, sneezing or speaking.

●      Stop TB Partnership: Established in 2001, it is a global partnership working towards ending the worldwide TB epidemic.

●      India’s Programme: The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) aims to eliminate TB in India, with an accelerated national target of 2025.

●      Global Target: SDG Target 3.3 calls for ending the TB epidemic by 2030.