Creating Awareness of Extremely Drug-Resistant TB: The TED Prize and James Nachtwey's "One Wish to Change the World"

XDR-TB, the widely untreatable, mutated manifestation of TB, is spreading; that much is known. Unknown is how much is out there, and how fast it is growing. Between 1996 and 2006, TB cases rose nearly 30%. One-fifth of new cases are resistant to at least one of the drugs available, as my colleague, Rachel Nugent, points out in the most recent issue of Foreign Policy. The StopTB Partnership reports that in some places, as many as 19% of cases are resistant to multiple first-line and second-line drugs. In light of these statistics, the knowledge and awareness of this emerging global health threat is woefully insufficient.In 2007, world-renowned photojournalist James Nachtwey decided to do something about it. Natchwey was one of three in the world to be awarded the TED Prize, receiving $100,000 and "One Wish to Change the World." Nachtwey summed up his wish in two sentences:

I'm working on a story that the world needs to know about. I wish for you to help me break it in a way that provides spectacular proof of the power of news photography in the digital age.

Beginning today and running throughout the month of October, his wish will be granted.Nachtwey's harrowing photographs will be unveiled today in dramatic fashion, breaking the story to the world. Throughout October, they will be seen in over a dozen countries: from Antarctica to Australia, Brazil to Hong Kong. The world will experience the photographs in Time Magazine, on projections and LED screen displays in public spaces; in film, music and creative arts festivals; human-rights festivals, fashion shows, art galleries and installations, art walks and much more.Nachtwey's story is yet another example of the realization of tangible outcomes spawned from a prize-type incentive structure. These nascent pull mechanisms are producing real results and gaining momentum, as discussed by my colleague Kristie LaTulippe's recent blog post.For more information on the fruition of Nachtwey's wish, please visit www.xdrtb.org.