In his forthcoming book "Everything Is Tuberculosis," John Green aims to raise awareness about the curable yet deadly disease tuberculosis, which primarily impacts marginalized communities across the globe. Through personal storytelling and a call to empathy, Green hopes to galvanize his audience to take action against this public health challenge.
John Green’s New Mission: Raising Awareness for Tuberculosis
John Green’s New Mission: Raising Awareness for Tuberculosis
Bestseller author John Green shifts focus from teenage fiction to addressing the global tuberculosis crisis with an engaging new book.
John Green, the acclaimed author and YouTube star, is stepping into a surprising new role as an advocate for tuberculosis awareness. Known for his best-selling young-adult novels and educational web series "Crash Course," Green is now tackling a significant public health crisis with the release of his upcoming nonfiction book, "Everything Is Tuberculosis," set to be published in March by a division of Penguin Random House.
The book interlaces the historical and scientific narratives of tuberculosis with a personal account of Henry Reider, a young man from Sierra Leone grappling with the disease. With 1.6 million fatalities annually, TB, a curable disease caused by a bacterium infecting roughly one-quarter of the global population, often goes unrecognized in wealthier nations. Green is determined to amplify the voices of those who suffer from this condition, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
In an interview, Green expressed his aim to "bridge the empathy gap" surrounding tuberculosis, a disease largely invisible in places with accessible healthcare. He critiques the societal structures that allow TB to persist despite the availability of effective treatments and tests. By fostering a deeper understanding of the disease and its implications, he hopes to incite a shift in perspective toward the plight of affected communities.
Green understands the challenge ahead, especially in a world where awareness of tuberculosis conflicts with interests in other areas of global health. However, his experience with his vast audience—spanning from older millennials to Generation Alpha—positions him uniquely to foment change. His dedicated fanbase, the "Nerdfighters," is accustomed to his call for action through initiatives like "Project for Awesome," aimed at reducing suffering worldwide. By harnessing this platform and passion for education, Green aspires to illuminate a critical yet overlooked global issue and inspire a new generation to care about tuberculosis.
