Science Friday Author John Green On The Many Ways Tuberculosis Shaped Human Life
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Mar 25, 2025 
John Green, celebrated author of hits like "The Fault in Our Stars," reveals the profound effects of tuberculosis on culture and history in his new book. He discusses staggering statistics, like TB's role in the deaths of one in seven people by the 1800s, and how it has influenced art, fashion, and literature. Exploring themes of socio-economic impacts and the stark healthcare disparities in treating TB today, Green emphasizes the urgent need for equitable healthcare while sharing poignant stories, including that of a brave boy battling drug-resistant TB.
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Trip to Sierra Leone
- John Green visited a TB hospital in Sierra Leone with Partners in Health.
- He met a patient named Henry, who inspired his book on tuberculosis.
Everything is Tuberculosis
- The title "Everything is Tuberculosis" reflects how TB has impacted various aspects of life.
- This includes culture, geography, fashion, and even literature.
TB Character Sketch
- TB has existed throughout human history, killing an estimated one in seven people.
- It has a thick cell wall, making it hard to fight but also slow to spread.
