| About
our Book, "TB Aware" |
Several
years ago I had the privilege of participating
in the Science for Monks Workshops, a program founded
by His
Holiness the Dalai Lama to teach Western Science
to Tibetan monks. It was during these workshops, which
were held in monasteries and schools in the Tibetan
communities throughout India, that I became aware
of
the expansive problem of Tuberculosis (TB) among
Tibetans. I was shocked to learn that one-third of
the world’s
population is infected with the TB bacillus,
and that TB kills nearly 2 million people each year
world-wide.
I also learned that the spread of TB can be significantly
reduced by simple hygiene and the proper use
of antibiotics.
In
thinking of ways I could help the Tibetan community,
I decided to produce a book to teach Tibetan children
how to prevent the spread of TB. “TB
Aware” provides
basic information about TB through drawings and
words to raise children’s awareness of TB.
The book describes the symptoms of TB, it teaches
how to minimize the spread
of the disease, and it describes how the disease
can be treated and cured. "TB Aware" is currently
being distributed to
Tibetan schools, hospitals and monasteries in India.
The
foreword of "TB Aware" is written by Dr.
James Watson,
who won the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
In addition to this honor, I was delighted that Rima
Fujita,
a renowned artist, agreed to illustrate "TB Aware".
Rima’s
beautiful drawings are featured in several other
Tibetan
children’s
books which she has written. Rima has also been
instrumental in moving this project forward with
her advice and enthusiasm.
We both hope that you take the time to send your
suggestions and comments to our email address,
TBawarebook@yahoo.com. With
your help we can continue to
improve “TB Aware” and
help prevent the spread of TB!
