The Current Why John Green is obsessed with tuberculosis
Jul 9, 2025
John Green, renowned novelist and YouTuber, shares his compelling journey into the world of tuberculosis, sparked by a visit to a TB hospital in Sierra Leone. He discusses his book, Everything is Tuberculosis, where he tells the poignant story of a young patient named Henry. The conversation dives into the stark healthcare inequities and systemic issues surrounding TB treatment, drawing moral questions about public health policies. Green highlights the importance of using his platform for advocacy, stressing the need to combat stigma and raise awareness about this curable yet deadly disease.
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John Green Meets Henry
- John Green met Henry, a charming young TB patient in Sierra Leone who showed him around the hospital.
- Henry's TB infection was difficult to treat and concerning to the doctors despite antibiotic use.
TB's Hidden Global Burden
- Tuberculosis primarily infects the lungs but can affect other body parts too.
- About a quarter of people have latent TB; only around 10% develop fatal active disease.
TB's Slow Progression and Treatment
- TB bacteria divide slowly due to a thick fatty cell wall causing long illness duration.
- Treatment requires months of antibiotics, unlike weeks for many other bacterial infections.
