Author: Prince Andrew Oguntolu
My First Experience at the World Union Conference in Bali 2024
This year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the World Union Conference in Bali, thanks to the LIGHT Consortium. The event brought together diverse minds and voices committed to addressing global health challenges. It was a whirlwind of inspiration, learning and connection, with each moment offering a unique story to cherish.
A Creative Start: Community Connect Photo Exhibition and Interview
One of the highlights of my time at the conference was participating in the Community Connect interview and photo exhibition. The conference’s theme focused on amplifying the voices of affected communities through artistic expression. My submission, selected for display, demonstrated photography as a tool for advocacy and storytelling.The first photo (Image 1) was taken during a photovoice exhibition in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, showcasing how photography was used to capture the lived experiences of individuals with TB. The photographs presented by participants documented their experiences and powerful stories, highlighting critical issues such as gendered differences in environments where TB thrives; stigma and discrimination against people with TB; barriers to accessing care and treatment; and health system challenges and enablers in TB management. This photovoice exhibition was attended by local government representatives, emphasising the importance of community engagement in informing and shaping TB policies. This initiative provided a vital platform for participants to share their realities and advocate for more inclusive, gender-responsive TB interventions.
The second photo (Image 2) depicted community engagement by the LIGHT Consortium with local leaders, emphasising the importance of raising awareness, dispelling misconceptions, challenging stigmatisation and advocating for gender-responsive TB services to improve care and outcomes.
Seeing attendees connect with my photography reaffirmed the power of art as a bridge for fostering global understanding of TB-related challenges and solutions.
Diving into TB Modelling & Research Presentations
My learning journey at the conference took a deep dive into the complexities of TB modelling, an area I had no prior experience in. I participated in the Postgraduate Programme on TB Modelling, Led by LIGHT research lead at LSHTM, where I gained insights into how mathematical and computational tools can help us understand disease patterns, predict TB transmission outcomes, and support informed decisions for policy changes.
I also attended LIGHT’s research presentations and posters showcasing some key findings, which were not only informative but also inspiring. Witnessing LIGHT's researchers' passion and expertise in action reaffirmed the significance of collaborative efforts in driving meaningful change. It was great to see our consortium’s contributions shaping discussions on TB and gender pathways of progress.
The LIGHT & Nigeria NTP Booth: A Collaborative Effort
Another significant highlight of the conference was the LIGHT-sponsored booth, hosted in collaboration with Nigeria’s National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP). The booth featured LIGHT’s banner; a screen displaying the consortium’s impact and a documentary highlighting the work of NTBLCP, including the challenges faced by healthcare workers in reaching hard-to-reach areas to collect samples from presumptive TB patients. It was a space for engagement, fun and cultural expression. Conference attendees who visited the booth had the opportunity to learn more about the NTP’s role and its collaboration with LIGHT in advancing the TB response in Nigeria, as well as joining the team in traditional Nigerian dancing and chanting for a vibrant and interactive experience. The NTP-LIGHT collaboration reinforces the importance of working with national TB programmes to maximise impact.
The Vibe of the Conference: Learning and Reflections
The energy at the World Union Conference in Bali was unmatched. Each day was a tapestry of rich discussions, insightful presentations and valuable connections. Whether during plenary sessions or casual conversations over coffee, there was always something to learn and someone new to meet.
Reflecting on my experience, this was not just a regular event for me; it was a transformative journey. From sharing my photography to immersing myself in innovative ideas, TB modelling and engaging in various discussions, this experience reinforced the importance of multi-sectoral approach in ending TB. I returned home with not only new knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose in the work we do to end TB.