In brief
In an enlightening interview, bestselling author John Green shares his passion for tuberculosis, urging awareness of the disease's enduring threat.
In a recent conversation with The Times’s global health reporter Stephanie Nolen, bestselling young adult novelist John Green explored his deep interest in tuberculosis (TB), the world's deadliest infectious disease. His latest book, titled “Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection,” examines the significant historical and cultural impacts of TB while questioning how a curable disease continues to claim lives—1.3 million in the past year alone.Green, who has an impressive following on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, actively engages his audience on the complexities of TB, advocating for lower drug prices to combat this global health issue. However, his efforts face challenges, particularly following the recent dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development by the Trump administration, which halted key support for health initiatives worldwide.During the conversation, both Green and Nolen expressed their passion for the subject, with Green sharing his frustrations about discussing TB with family. "Every time I get a few words in, my kids interrupt me with, ‘Dad, we know: It’s tuberculosis,’" he quipped. This humorous remark set a lighthearted tone for an otherwise serious topic, emphasizing the need for awareness and dialogue around TB.As the dialogue unfolded, Green reiterated the importance of tackling TB not just as a health issue but as a societal one. His book serves as a call to action, aiming to inspire his readers and followers to understand the implications of tuberculosis and to advocate for those affected by the disease. For those interested in deeper insights, an audio version of the full conversation is available, allowing listeners to engage with the pressing issues surrounding tuberculosis and hear directly from an influential voice in contemporary literature about a subject that desperately needs more attention.
