TB Photovoice Thailand (TBPV) – Raising awareness on TB and HIV in northern Thailand

TB Photovoice Thailand (TBPV) is a project that uses photography to raise awareness and stimulate dialogue among communities affected by tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in northern Thailand.

TB and HIV infection are increasing in northern Thailand, as elsewhere, and the combination of the two diseases is posing a serious threat to public health. In an effort to promote greater awareness of the issue, and the impact it has on communities, TBPV empowers affected individuals to tell their own stories through photographs.

Participants are trained to take photographs and write about the effects of TB on their lives. These images and stories are used to stimulate discussion of TB- and HIV-related issues in their communities, raising awareness and promoting dialogue.

The stories told by TBPV participants are also a valuable tool for advocacy at the national level. Ultimately the project aims to use the photographs and interactions with affected communities to help shape TB and HIV policies and programmes that are responsive to communities’ needs.

TBPV partners with four local health provider organizations in Chiang Dao and Muang districts of northern Thailand: Chiang Dao Hospital, Chiang Dao Public Health Department, Chiang Dao PWHA Network and the Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Chiang Mai. So far more than 1000 photographs and 20 accompanying stories have been collected and shared in the community by TBPV participants.

The project also helps to coordinate TB and HIV events such as World TB Day and Health Week.

TB Photovoice Thailand is coordinated by Health & Development Networks (HDN) in partnership with Chiang Dao Hospital, Chiang Dao Public Health Department, Chiang Dao PWHA Network and the Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Chiang Mai, with support from the Amaya-Lacson TB Photovoice Project.

[Click here to view the photographs]

“Photovoice is a process by which people can identify, represent, and enhance their community though a specific photographic technique. It entrusts cameras to the hands of people to enable them to act as recorders, and potential catalysts for social action and change, in their own communities. It uses the immediacy of the visual image and accompanying stories to furnish evidence and to promote an effective, participatory means of sharing expertise to create healthful public policy” – Caroline C Wang, creator of the Photovoice methodology.