Introduction

You may know John Green as the beloved author of young adult novels like *The Fault in Our Stars* and *Looking for Alaska*, or perhaps as one-half of the YouTube duo behind *vlogbrothers*. However, what you might not realize is that for the past five years, Green has dedicated himself to a mission that extends well beyond the realm of fiction: the eradication of tuberculosis (TB), a disease that still claims more lives than any other infectious illness.

A New Focus: *Everything is Tuberculosis*

In his upcoming book, *Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection*, Green shares his insights and experiences that have transformed TB into the central focus of his personal and professional life. For him, the connection to tuberculosis is not just medical—it represents a broader critique of societal injustices that allow such a disease to persist, even when effective treatments exist.

The Story of Henry Reider

Green argues that while TB is entirely curable, it is ruthless social systems and inequalities that perpetuate its devastating impact. He vividly illustrates this point through the story of Henry Reider, a young man from Sierra Leone, whose battle with TB is exacerbated by poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare.

A Personal Encounter

Reflecting on his own journey into activism, Green recounts a poignant moment during a visit to a TB hospital in Sierra Leone. There, he met a boy named Henry—who shared the same name as his son. The stark contrast between their realities—the little boy’s condition, shaped by the disease and harsh socio-economic factors—ignited Green’s passion for advocacy. In a world where poverty is often the breeding ground for TB, Green believes it is crucial to highlight these human stories that are often overlooked.

The Intersection of TB and Climate Change

The dual crises of TB and climate change also intertwine in alarming ways. As extreme weather events and natural disasters increase, they displace communities into overcrowded living situations that facilitate the spread of TB. Green emphasizes that our inaction on both fronts reveals a troubling aspect of humanity—our tendency to disregard suffering if it doesn’t directly touch our lives or communities.

Recent Outbreaks and Public Health

Notably, Green calls attention to the recent outbreak of tuberculosis in Kansas, highlighting the essential need for robust public health measures. He underscores the risks that arise from funding cuts to TB initiatives—both domestically and internationally—arguing that such decisions jeopardize the lives of countless individuals battling the disease.

Addressing the Disparities

The increased disparity brought on by climate change and its effects on global health only compounds the urgency of addressing TB today. Green clearly emphasizes that the fight against tuberculosis requires a systemic approach, not only to manage the disease but to challenge the underlying social injustices that allow it to thrive.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As he prepares to launch his new book, Green remains committed to amplifying the voices of those affected by TB, especially those from low-income countries who bear the heaviest burden. The message is urgent: both TB and climate change are solvable issues that demand our immediate action and compassion. Ultimately, Green’s journey resonates as a call to arms for readers—urging us to empathize with the marginalized and work toward a future where diseases like tuberculosis no longer thrive on inequality.

In the words of John Green, “We don’t have to be powerless.” The time has come to act, and scientific innovation coupled with a genuine commitment to social justice may just pave the way for a healthier world.