Music to Stop TB

Music to Stop TB uses the strategy of edutainment to inform people about TB and to inspire them to take action to prevent the disease. For example, in advance of World Tuberculosis Day (March 24) 2008, Canada's Opera Lyra Ottawa, Stop TB Partnership, Stop TB Canada, Results Canada, and the Lilly MDR-TB Partnership collaborated to organise a series of awareness outreach activities during its four performances of La Traviata (by Verdi). In this opera, the young Violetta falls in love, but leaves her soulmate because his family does not approve. She dies alone in a Parisian garret from TB. Opera Lyra Ottawa also erected banners and posters at the theatre in an effort to raise awareness about tuberculosis. Ambassadors representing countries facing a high burden of TB, Members of Parliament, TB experts, community representatives, and local citizens interested in the arts and advocacy gathered at this event to enjoy the opera while learning about why the global TB crisis is an issue Canadians should care about.

Health.

According to organisers, 1.6 million people die each year from TB, making it the second largest infectious killer after AIDS.

The Stop TB Partnership's theme for World TB Day 2008 is "I am Stopping TB", to highlight the fact that everyone can make a difference in stopping the spread of tuberculosis. For example, Canadians can help by being aware of the crisis and by supporting Canadian investments in global TB control. Music to Stop TB supports this theme, as Ottawa's artistic community joins the call for awareness and action.