Comic book to generate awareness on TB
A comic book, titled Devdaser Jokkha Joi, published recently by the Ministry of Health and Family Planning and BRAC, aims to attract the youth on a campaign against TB. The book is a part of 'Youth against TB' campaign. The comic relays the story of TB-infected Devdas' story.
"Would Devdas face the same fate if he were of our time? We want to say 'no', we want a different end to the story. Devdaser Jokkha Joi portrays that story that all wish to see Devdas, not succumbing to death, but fighting against TB and the story ending on a happy note," said Mehedi, the cartoonist.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Putting the TB issue in perspective, Faruk Ahmed, director of BRAC Health Programme says, "Since the early 1980s, while working for poverty alleviation, BRAC has identified TB as a serious public health obstacle. We find low levels of awareness on the basic facts about TB among the general population. Widespread ignorance on how TB is spread and the fact that the disease can be cured contribute to high levels of stigma and discrimination against people living with TB. Comic books like this can contribute a lot in generating awareness and clearing misconceptions about TB."
An animation on TB has also been produced by BRAC. At present, through the popular mediums of entertainment including gano natok and audio/video shows, information is disseminated and possible solutions are forwarded.