Kochon Prize

Kochon Prize Latest News

Resource group for Education and Advocacy for Community Health (REACH), a not-for-profit organisation working to strengthen the tuberculosis (TB) response in India, has been awarded the Kochon Prize 2026.

About Kochon Prize

• It was established in 2006.
• It is presented by the Kochon Foundation, an independent Korean non-profit foundation, in partnership with the Stop TB Partnership.
• It recognises individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the fight against TB. 
• It consists of a cash price of US$ 65,000.
• Previous winners from India include L.S. Chauhan (2006), head of the Revised National TB Control Programme, the Indian Council of Medical Research (2017) and Molbio Diagnostics (2024). 

Key Facts about Tuberculosis

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other body parts such as the abdomen, glands, bones, and nervous system.
• Transmission: It spreads through airborne transmission, mainly inhaling tiny droplets released from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
• Symptoms of TB
  • Persistent cough for more than 3 weeks, often with blood.
  • Weight loss, night sweats, high fever, fatigue.
  • Loss of appetite, chest pain, swollen lymph nodes.
• Treatment & Prevention
  • Curable with Antibiotics: Requires 6-18 months of medication.
  • BCG Vaccine: The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine provides moderate protection, mainly for severe TB in infants and children.

Source: TH

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