LIGHT Consortium: Advancing gendered approaches to end TB

The challenge

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, with 10.6 million people falling ill and 1.3 million deaths in 2022. Men account for 55% for TB cases, and two-thirds of undiagnosed or unreported cases are in men. Gender disparities significantly influence access to TB prevention, diagnosis, and care, particularly in urban, HIV-prevalent settings. Addressing these disparities is crucial for reducing TB-related deaths, preventing transmission, and achieving health equity.

About the project

The LIGHT Consortium (Leaving no-one behInd: transforming Gendered pathways to Health for TB) is a six-year, cross-disciplinary global health research programme funded by UK aid. Led by LSTM, LIGHT collaborates with partners in Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, and the UK.

LIGHT aims to generate evidence to inform gender-responsive TB policies and practices, enhancing access to TB prevention, diagnosis, and care for all, focusing on improving male access to quality TB care.

Our strategies & approaches

LIGHT’s approach aspires to reduce the overall TB mortality and morbidity in the locations we work in using this Theory of Change.

Innovative and interdisciplinary research

The LIGHT Consortium conducts interdisciplinary research to understand the gendered pathways to TB care. This includes exploring how gender norms and roles influence health-seeking behaviours and access to TB services. The consortium employs qualitative and quantitative methods to gather comprehensive data.

Strategic engagement

We engage with stakeholders at national, regional, and global levels to ensure research findings are relevant and effectively communicated. This includes collaborating with policymakers, health practitioners, and community leaders to translate evidence into practice.

Capacity strengthening

LIGHT invests in building the capacity of individuals and institutions in partner countries. This involves training researchers, health workers, and community members to generate, adapt, translate, and utilise evidence for improving TB services.

Our key findings and impact

Enhanced understanding of gendered barriers

Our research has illuminated how gender norms affect TB care access. In Nigeria, studies revealed that men’s reluctance to seek care is influenced by societal expectations of masculinity, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Influence on national policies

Findings from the LIGHT Consortium have informed national TB strategies. In Kenya, our work contributed to integrating gender considerations into the National TB Strategic Plan, promoting more equitable service delivery.

Improvements driven by community engagement

We have implemented community-based interventions, such as photovoice projects in Nigeria, empowering individuals affected by TB to share their experiences and influence service improvements.