Comic Book for Children

The Ukrainian comic book “The Power of Friendship: How Zlata Overcame Tuberculosis” won the international Stop TB Partnership Community Award 2024, “Ending TB Stigma through Art.”

The team of the Secretariat of the Partnership "Stop TB. Ukraine" created a unique work — a comic book that touches the heart and breaks stereotypes. It is a touching story about Zlata, a girl who managed to overcome not only TB but also the difficulties of war, while maintaining her strength of spirit and faith in humanity.

This comic is more than just the story of one girl. It is a powerful social message. It shows that the support of family, friends, and society can be crucial for recovery, not only physical, but also emotional.

Through Zlata's story, we aimed to show the world the harsh realities of war and the challenges faced by Ukrainian children. This is a story about those who are struggling not only with illness, but also with loss, separation, and the destruction of childhood. We aim to showcase the power of friendship, love, and support, to call for humanity, and to remind the world of the importance of not remaining indifferent, says Yevheniia Kuvshynova, the author of the story and its characters.

At the 38th meeting of the Stop TB Partnership Board, Olga Klymenko, chair of the Partnership's steering committee, received an important award in recognition of our joint work and significant contribution to overcoming the stigma associated with TB.

"A key step in overcoming TB is eradicating stigma. We face financial challenges, but it is especially difficult for children who go through a difficult and traumatic experience because of their diagnosis. They do not always understand what is happening around them, which is why it is crucial to promote the concept of support. By investing in the education and upbringing of children, we are helping to shape a more tolerant future, one free from discrimination. I would like to thank the secretariat team for the idea, their tremendous work, and the results achieved," emphasized Olga Klymenko, Chair of the Board of TBpeopleUkraine.

Sincere thanks to the Stop TB Partnership and the competition committee for recognizing our efforts! This victory inspires us to move forward and share Zlata's story, striving to change attitudes toward TB, raise awareness about this disease, and offer hope to those fighting it. We believe that friendship, support, and understanding can transform lives and help overcome even the most difficult challenges.