write an LTE on tuberculosis in the UK

Tuberculosis (TB) is on the rise in the UK. Results has worked with MPs to publish a report on what needs to be done about TB in the UK. Help us get the message out and get the attention of MPs and the general public by writing a letter to the editor (LTE) of your local newspaper.

what

TB rates are on the rise in the UK as well as globally. It is in our national interest to end TB everywhere

who

MPs need to understand that there is public support for action on tackling TB, and that rates are rising in the UK

how

A short letter to the editor highlighting this concerning rise to build public pressure for Government action

bringing TB into the public conversation

Many people, including some MPs, think tuberculosis is a disease of the past. However it remains one of the world’s most serious infectious diseases and is still present in the UK. In recent years, TB rates in the UK have been rising, and the country is now very close to losing its “low incidence” status as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is set at fewer than 10 cases per 100,000 people (the UK currently sits at 9.25 per 100,000).

While TB is preventable, treatable and curable, it continues to affect thousands of people in the UK each year, with a disproportionate impact on those experiencing poverty, overcrowding and other health inequalities.

We have been working with a cross party group of MPs on a report setting out recommendations for strengthening the UK’s response to TB. We need more MPs to be aware of the report and that ending TB everywhere is in the UK’s national interest.

MPs pay particular attention to their local newspapers as a way of understanding the issues that their constituents care about. By writing a short LTE responding to a local news story, you can help your community and your MP to understand more about the importance of ending TB, both at home and abroad.

writing an ace LTE

Here are some key things to remember when writing your letter.

Find your hook. Use current events in local or national news that can be linked to your issues. This could be responding to an opinion piece, an editorial or even an upcoming event which has media coverage.

Length and tone. Your letter should be about three paragraphs long and little more than 200 words. The tone should be respectful and polite, and a touch of humour can increase your chances of being published.

Show you’re real! The strength of a letter to the editor is that it represents the views of the public. If you’re comfortable, share your name and address in the signature block.

Dynamite title. A unique title that attracts the attention of the editor increases your chances of getting published.

Share it! Your letter doesn’t have to be perfect, and you don’t need to be a complete expert to get an opinion. But your letter will help to raise awareness and build pressure for action on tuberculosis.

With all this there’s a great chance of your letter getting published. And if you do, don’t forget to let us know so that we can track your impact!

key points to include in your letter

TB rates in the UK have been rising, and the country is now very close to losing its “low incidence” status as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Low incidence status is defined as fewer that 10 cases per 100,000 population. The UK currently sits at 9.25.

1.3 million people die each year from TB.

TB is both curable and preventable.

Acting now to end TB globally saves lives and protects the NHS.

We don’t have an effective vaccine to combat all forms of TB (including drug-resistant strains).

TB rates in your area

To help you with your letter, we have collated local data so that you can see the rates of tuberculosis in your area!

uk-constituency-tb-map-with-mp-lookup Download

The data only covers England, but all you have to do is download the tracker and type in your postcode, and the tuberculosis rates in your area versus the national average will appear on the screen.

take action now!

Please write a short letter to the editor of your local newspaper about the rising rates of tuberculosis in the UK.

You can find your local newspaper using this map, and refer to the map above to find TB rates in your area.

For help writing your letter, download this useful guide.

Thank you for taking action!

take action!

WRITE a letter to the editor of your local newspaper

HIGHLIGHT that TB is not a disease of the past and that cases are on the rise in the UK

I took action!

we’re here to support you!

If you have any questions or need support or advice in writing your letter, please contact Will Sewell, Senior Campaigns and Communications Officer, at [email protected]

BBC radio show reinforces wrong ideas of TB in the UK

The usually excellent radio show CrowdScience on the BBC World Service recently released an episode on tuberculosis. The episode effectively highlighted the shortcomings of the BCG vaccine and the need to integrate nutrition into tuberculosis care (a topic we explored in a recent report).

However, during the show, the host also labeled TB in the UK as ‘a disease of the past’. This narrative is not only inaccurate, but harmful: it reinforces ongoing stigma and weakens public pressure for urgent government action.

Writing a letter to the editor is a powerful way to set the record straight on occassions like this and keep decision-makers informed about rising TB rates.