A photography project in Tanzania gives people with tuberculosis and HIV their voice

In Tanzania, about half of people diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) are infected with HIV. Since 2005, PATH’s tuberculosis and HIV project in Tanzania has led the scale-up of integrated services—such as DOTS (directly observed treatment, short-course) for TB and antiretroviral therapy for HIV— for people with both conditions. So far, the project has reached more than 49,000 patients with services designed to make them stronger and healthier.

The photos helped spark discussion, reduce stigma, and show the positive effects of integrated services for TB and HIV.

PATH’s team, known for creative approaches to integrating care, asked people with TB and HIV to take photographs of their daily lives—a health promotion strategy called “photovoice.” Their work is featured in this slideshow. The photographers often took pictures of people in treatment for TB and for TB and HIV. Far from being gloomy, the photographers’ subjects often told almost miraculous stories of how integrated care had changed their lives.

Photo: PATH.