A free presentation about global health and Tuberculosis (TB) will be offered at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26 at the Redmond Regional Library, 15990 NE 85th St.

Presenter Teresa Rugg is director of the TB Photovoice Project, which connects patients receiving treatment worldwide, via photography. Rugg has made similar presentations at the Global Health Conference in Washington, D.C. and the World TB Conference in South Africa.

“Since TB knows no political boundaries, as it is an airborne bacteria, it is important to be aware of how TB continues to hamper communities around the world, killing about 2 million people a year,” Rugg stated.

“About a third of the planet is infected with this disease and there are drug resistant strains emerging in almost every continent. The leading cause of death of persons living with AIDS is TB.”

Rugg said her presentation will focus on issues surrounding TB, “like the universal stigma which is unfortunately alive and well, even here in Washington state. With a mobile society, whether it be from travel by professionals in global health — think the Gates Foundation, PATH, etc. — business or touring, traveling to TB epidemic areas is a concern. Especially multi-drug resistant TB.”

While statistics in Washington state are nowhere near those communities with extreme poverty, “how we react to cases and care for these individuals is critical,” said Rugg.

Informational brochures will also be available at the free presentation at the library.