The 2026 Stop TB Community Difference Makers Award, presented by the Stop TB Partnership and the Humana People to People Foundation, recognized two exceptional community-led initiatives working to ensure that people facing the greatest barriers to TB services are not left behind. They were selected among approximately 40 entries.
Under the theme “The Difference Makers: Serving the Underserved,” the award celebrates the courage, resilience and impact of local organizations that go the extra mile to reach people and communities too often missed by conventional health services.
Mwitikio wa Kudhibitri Kifua Kikuu na UKIMWI Tanzania (MKUTA), United Republic of Tanzania, was awarded US$40,000 in recognition of its outstanding work with miners and other key and vulnerable populations, including fisherfolk and people with disabilities. Through a nationwide network of 3,500 community health workers and TB survivors, MKUTA mobilizes communities, build trust and helps people overcome barriers to accessing TB services. Its work demonstrates the transformative power of community leadership and lived experience in reaching populations that health systems often struggle to serve.
Saglamliga Khidmat Ictimai Birliyi, Azerbaijan, received US$10,000 for its innovative work supporting people affected by TB in prisons, where barriers to timely diagnosis, treatment and care can be particularly severe. By combining portable X-ray technology and artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis with OneImpact community-led monitoring and individualized support, the organization is helping identify and address barriers to care while strengthening accountability. Its approach demonstrates how technological innovation and community engagement can work hand in hand to make TB services more accessible, responsive and people centred.
Jesper Wohlert, Humana People to People Foundation, said: “Humana People to People cherishes its longstanding partnership with the Stop TB Partnership and, above all, the incredible family of communities affected by TB, civil society organizations and key and vulnerable populations who work tirelessly to make a difference in the places where they live and work; we are proud to help recognize and support their impact through the Difference Makers Award.”
Dr Willy Luxford Mbawala, Executive Director of MKUTA, Tanzania, said: “We are incredibly honored and excited that MKUTA’s work has been recognized through the Difference Makers Award; building on our longstanding engagement with the Stop TB Partnership’s Challenge Facility for Civil Society, we continue to work alongside miners, fisherfolk, the urban poor and other underserved communities, because lasting progress against TB is only possible when communities themselves lead the way, and this prize will help us reach even more people with the services and support they deserve - we sincerely thank the Stop TB Partnership and Humana People to People Foundation for their continued commitment to community-led action.”
Mr Elchin Mukhtarli, Director of Saglamliga Khidmat Ictimai Birliyi, Azerbaijan, said: “This recognition is an incredible honor and encouragement for our team and the communities we serve, particularly people in prisons who too often face barriers to timely TB diagnosis, treatment and support; through OneImpact community-led monitoring, we are helping ensure that the experiences of people affected by TB inform action and accountability, and this prize will enable us to strengthen that work and reach more people with community-centred support—we are deeply grateful to the Stop TB Partnership and Humana People to People Foundation for championing organizations working to ensure that no one is left behind.”
