Tuberculosis during war: how to protect yourself and where to find support

What is the problem?

Ukraine is gradually reforming its approach to tuberculosis treatment, making it more accessible and effective. Modern diagnostic methods are being implemented, treatment protocols are being optimized, and social support for patients is expanding. A unified care system ensures treatment regardless of a patient's place of residence, while a three-level laboratory network streamlines diagnostics. Most patients can now receive outpatient care, reducing the need for prolonged hospital stays. The introduction of new antimycobacterial drugs offers hope even for those with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.  

However, despite Ukraine's commitment to providing equal access to modern diagnostics and treatment, patients still encounter delays and bureaucratic obstacles.  

"Although diagnostic and treatment methods are available, patients may face challenges due to poor coordination and limited communication among healthcare providers," explains Hanna Tverdokhlib, a phthisiologist and consultant for the Tuberculosis Hotline.  

The difficulties for Ukrainians extend beyond medical care. For people with tuberculosis, mobilization may become unlawful, accessing diagnostics during wartime can be difficult, and obtaining disability registration is often an almost impossible task.

What is the solution?

Under these conditions, the Tuberculosis Hotline, launched in 2013 by the Charity Organization "Fund for the Prevention of Chemical Dependence and AIDS," has become an essential resource. It serves as a crucial link between patients and medical institutions, offering timely information, as well as legal, medical, and psychological support via phone or online. More than just a service, it is a lifeline for thousands who need assistance when conventional healthcare systems fall short.

Фото ілюстративне: istockphoto

The charitable organization "Fund for the Prevention of Chemical Dependence and AIDS" (HelpMe platform) is actively working to improve tuberculosis treatment and prevention in Ukraine. The Tuberculosis Hotline project was created to ensure that anyone affected by the disease can receive timely medical, legal, and psychological support.

Hotline consultants—including tuberculosis doctors, psychologists, and lawyers—provide assistance via phone, online chat, and video calls. All consultations are free of charge.

Tetiana Minenko, Deputy Director for Program Affairs of the Foundation, explains the types of questions the hotline can address:

• How does modern tuberculosis treatment work?
  Project specialists provide information on available therapies, modern drugs, their effectiveness, and potential side effects.
• What if you can't visit a doctor?
  They offer guidance on outpatient treatment, telemedicine options, and alternative ways to access medical care.
• How can you prevent the transmission of tuberculosis?
  Consultants explain effective preventive measures to protect yourself and those around you.
• What if treatment isn't working, or you have multidrug-resistant tuberculosis?
  They share information on advanced treatment options and how to access specialized care.
• Are you struggling with fear, uncertainty, or social isolation due to a tuberculosis diagnosis?
  Hotline psychologists offer emotional support, help restore social connections, and empower you to fight the disease. Tuberculosis doctors explain the diagnosis, types of tuberculosis, and how to begin proper treatment.
• Concerned about the risk of infection or the safety of contact with a patient?
  Project specialists provide practical advice on reducing infection risks and ensuring safe interactions.
• Have you faced stigma or discrimination at work?
  If your employer or colleagues discriminate against you due to your tuberculosis diagnosis, hotline lawyers and consultants can guide you on how to protect your rights and fight discrimination. They provide advice on labor rights, legal protections in the workplace, and how to address violations.
• Can you receive treatment without registration or documents?
  Specialists will explain what medical services are available to patients without registration or official documents. They also provide guidance on how to restore lost documents and where to turn if your rights are violated, including cases involving the denial of medical care.
• What if a person with tuberculosis is in prison and faces rights violations?
  The hotline offers legal advice on protecting the rights of incarcerated patients. Consultants explain how to ensure access to proper medical care and what steps to take if rights are being violated.
• Is social assistance available during treatment?
  Patients can receive information on available benefits, financial support, and social assistance programs during tuberculosis treatment. Specialists outline eligibility criteria and how to apply for these resources.
• Can conscripts with tuberculosis get a deferment or discharge from military service?
  The hotline provides details on how a tuberculosis diagnosis affects military registration. Consultants explain the legal grounds for deferment or discharge and the required documents to confirm health status.

The Tuberculosis Hotline is available:

• via phone 0 800 503 080;
• through the online chat on the website.

For those experiencing an acute emotional crisis that affects their daily life or tuberculosis treatment, the foundation offers video sessions with psychologists. These sessions help individuals identify the causes of the crisis, develop personalized coping strategies, and learn techniques to restore emotional balance and maintain motivation for treatment.

In addition to direct support, the foundation runs an information campaign aimed at the general public. It shares reliable information about tuberculosis, including prevention and treatment methods, through its website and social media platforms:

• Фейсбук;
• Instagram;
• TikTok;
• Telegram;
• Youtube.

Does it really work?

Фото ілюстративне: istockphoto

"Thanks to our work, thousands of people receive the support they need to fight tuberculosis, while society becomes more informed and tolerant. We continue to work to ensure that everyone has access to quality treatment, psychological support, and legal protection—regardless of their life circumstances," says Tetiana Minenko, the Foundation's Deputy Director for Program Affairs.

She shares a story that highlights how the Tuberculosis Hotline, through cooperation with other medical institutions, successfully helped a patient in need.

A woman who had been battling tuberculosis for over 11 years—since 2013—contacted the Hotline. In May 2024, her condition worsened significantly, and by October, doctors diagnosed her with histological tuberculosis. After successfully undergoing surgery at a leading scientific center, she began outpatient treatment. However, health complications caused her to lose her job, making it necessary to apply for disability status. That's when unexpected challenges arose. Despite her condition, she faced repeated refusals—first from the institution where she was receiving treatment, and then from the local tuberculosis hospital.

"In a state of despair and uncertainty, the woman turned to our team. She described facing prejudice, stigmatization, and discrimination while struggling to access proper medical care. Although her request was complex, we immediately stepped in to help," Minenko continues.

• First, the woman was contacted by the hotline with the management of a specialized scientific center. They confirmed that the registration of a disability group was not within their competence.
• Next, they contacted representatives of the local tuberculosis hospital and experts in assessing the functioning of patients to assign a disability group. Constructive dialogue between the institutions helped transfer the patient to the local tuberculosis hospital to continue treatment.
• Now the patient's condition is being monitored by a specialist. They determine the dynamics of treatment and assess the patient's daily functionality to determine the level of disability.

"As a result, we solved the patient's problem, thanks to coordinated inter-institutional cooperation. The patient continues treatment without interruption and was able to register a disability group, which means that she will now have social support," summarizes Minenko.

Even more useful solutions!

Фото ілюстративне: istockphoto

"Over the past decades, the situation with tuberculosis in Ukraine has partially stabilized, but it remains challenging. One of the key areas for improvement is ensuring effective communication between doctors, patients, and society," says Tverdokhlib.

She emphasizes that accurate and accessible information about tuberculosis plays a crucial role in preventing new cases and reducing stigma. Patients who are well-informed about their diagnosis, treatment methods, and potential side effects are more likely to follow their treatment regimen. It is essential that this information is presented clearly and is understandable to everyone.

Another significant issue is the lack of understanding between doctors and patients, which often leads to anxiety and lower adherence to treatment. Family doctors, who are usually the first point of contact for patients with tuberculosis symptoms, play a critical role beyond diagnosis and referral. They must also take on an educational role, explaining to patients and their families that individuals undergoing proper treatment do not pose a threat to others.

Raising awareness among military medical commissions is also an urgent issue. These commissions need to understand the long-term effects of tuberculosis and follow current medical standards for determining fitness for military service. Additionally, people facing illegal mobilization after tuberculosis or seeking disability registration due to the disease require reliable legal support to protect their rights.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs and is transmitted through airborne droplets.

• TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Infection usually occurs after prolonged contact in a closed, poorly ventilated space. Sharing personal items like utensils, books, or clothing is not a significant means of transmission.
• Common symptoms include: A persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately.
• TB is diagnosed using specialized tests, including sputum analysis, chest X-rays, and modern molecular diagnostics. Treatment is free and effective if patients follow medical guidance and complete the full course of therapy.

How to protect yourself from tuberculosis during war:

• Maintain hygiene and regularly ventilate living spaces to reduce the risk of infection.
• Avoid purchasing livestock products that have not passed veterinary inspection, especially from unregulated markets. Do not consume dairy products packaged in non-sterile, reused containers.
• Support your immune system with a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and by reducing stress—all of which help your body resist infections.
• Preventive treatment is recommended for those who have close contact with TB patients to reduce the risk of developing an active form of the disease.
• BCG vaccination for newborns is a crucial preventive measure against severe forms of TB in children.

What you should not be afraid of, relying on prejudices:

• Household items, food, and utensils are not primary sources of TB infection. The disease is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks during prolonged close contact with others.
• Casual contact in public spaces—such as on the street, in supermarkets, or on public transport—rarely leads to infection. Typically, infection occurs after about eight hours of daily exposure for three months to someone with untreated pulmonary TB.
• If you live with someone who has active TB, follow infection control recommendations from the Center for Public Health to reduce the risk of inhaling mycobacteria.
• People undergoing TB treatment and following medical advice become non-infectious to those around them within a few weeks and can safely return to everyday life.