Thanks to the Postcode Loterij: Together We Accelerate the Fight Against Tuberculosis
With immense appreciation, we announce that the Postcode Loterij is making the AIR-TBC project of KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation possible. Thanks to this support, we can deploy a ground-breaking innovation in the fight against tuberculosis: an AI-driven cough test that provides an indication of TB within 30 seconds using a simple smartphone recording.
Why This Support Matters
Tuberculosis is once again on the rise worldwide. Each year, 11 million people fall ill and 3,400 people die every day from the disease. In countries where healthcare systems are under pressure due to budget cuts and crises, diagnosis and treatment often stall with dramatic consequences.
At this crucial moment, the contribution of the Postcode Loterij makes it possible to:
- Screen 100,000 people for TB
- Provide tens of thousands with access to essential diagnostics and treatment
- Strengthen healthcare systems in DR Congo, Uganda, and Zambia
- Sustainably embed innovation into national health systems
While international funding is declining, this support ensures that innovation continues to drive progress.
Innovation Without Barriers
With the AIR-TBC project, KNCV introduces an innovative smartphone-based test that detects TB faster and more accessibly in Africa. With only a smartphone and a short cough recording, artificial intelligence can determine within 30 seconds whether someone is likely to have TB.
AIR-TBC changes the playing field:
- No expensive laboratory required as a first step
- No sputum collection
- No complex equipment
- Immediate digital analysis
This drastically reduces the barriers to care. Communities can identify risks earlier, healthcare workers operate more efficiently, and the spread of (drug-resistant) TB can be stopped sooner. Within the project, 100,000 people will be screened in DR Congo, Uganda, and Zambia.
An Investment with Global Impact
The support of the Postcode Loterij is more than project funding. It is an investment in systemic change.
The project begins with pilot phases, followed by large-scale demonstration phases. Results will be shared with international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Global Fund to enable global acceptance and scale-up.
Every euro invested today saves lives now and strengthens healthcare systems for the future.
We warmly thank the Postcode Loterij and all its participants. Thanks to your commitment and trust, we can continue working toward a world free of TB.
