United to End TB - Every Word Counts: Suggested Language and Usage for Tuberculosis Communications

This document offers recommendations on what language to use when communicating around tuberculosis (TB). The language recommendations seek to bring about a move away from the use of stigmatising TB language to language that is empowering and more people centered,  and that will help “bring TB out of the shadows and encourage people to speak about it in their homes, communities, and workplaces.”  The guidelines have been developed for use by everyone involved in addressing TB, including the scientific and medical communities, health staff, the media, and the general public. 

The document is based on the belief that the use of appropriate language has the power to strengthen the global response to the TB epidemic.  As stated in the publication, “Language can empower and encourage people with TB to take control of their condition and become partners in their treatment. It can also create stigma, dependency, and fear. Stigma can lead people with TB to hide their condition or avoid seeking help, making it more likely that they will become ill and infect others. Even after the start of treatment, concern about the consequences of TB stigma may lead individuals to drop out of treatment programs.”  In addition, “…[J]udgmental terms such as ‘TB suspect’ can powerfully influence attitudes and behaviour at every level – from inhibiting people to seek treatment to shaping the way policy-makers view the challenge of addressing the disease.”  Other examples are terms such as ‘defaulter’ and ‘suspect’, which have negative connotations placing the blame for the disease and the responsibility for adverse treatment outcomes on one side — that of people with TB.

The Guide is divided into the following sections:

• Introduction - looks at the context and rational for the key language sections.
• Technical Language - This section includes terms used in technical, clinical, and medical settings.
• Conversational Language - This section includes everyday terms that people use to speak about TB and related concepts.
• Compassionate Language -  This section includes language that puts people with TB first and acknowledges their key role as influencers, educators, and champions in the fight against TB.
• Key Terminology - looks a at a few key terms that are discriminatory and offers less stigmatising alternatives.

As stated in the document, “[t]his is a living document which will evolve as language changes, will encourage debate and reflection, and will ultimately aim to mainstream language that respects the dignity of people with tuberculosis.