Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious global public health concern and one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Rates of TB in Libya are on the rise, linked to an apparent lack of knowledge and awareness in the country about this health issue, which often leads to late detection and treatment. 

On World Tuberculosis Day, we look at one of our many projects focusing on TB care—a capacity building project to improve tuberculosis care in Libya, with special consideration for drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Every year, thousands of people fleeing war, persecution and poverty at home attempt the treacherous journey across the Mediterranean. Since the beginning of 2021, nearly 1,000 people have been reported dead or missing on world’s deadliest sea border. 

To help save the lives of people trying to cross the central Mediterranean Sea, Médecins Sans Frontières has chartered its own vessel, the Geo Barents, to conduct search and rescue missions.

On 10, 11 and 12 June, teams on board the MSF-chartered search and rescue vessel, GeoBarents, carried out seven consecutive rescues of people from unseaworthy boats in distress in the central Mediterranean Sea. In less than 48 hours, our teams safely brought on board 410 men, women and children, including one pregnant woman and 91 unaccompanied minors. Some of the survivors recounted their harrowing stories of survival in attempting to cross the deadliest migratory route in the world.