REACH Wins Kochon Prize 2026 for TB Work
The India-based not-for-profit is the first civil society group from India to receive the Kochon Prize, shared this year with two other TB programs.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Awards
REACH, a not-for-profit working to strengthen the tuberculosis response in India, received the Kochon Prize 2026. The award is shared with the Centre for Health Solutions in Kenya and the Marshall Islands TB Control Program.
Why it matters
The Kochon Prize recognises individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the fight against tuberculosis. REACH's recognition highlights civil society's role in TB response efforts across countries.
REACH is the first civil society non-profit from India to receive the Kochon Prize, after prior Indian winners in 2006, 2017 and 2024. The source does not state the prize's monetary value or the specific programme outcomes it will support.
The players
REACH
A not-for-profit organisation working to strengthen the tuberculosis response in India, recognised for its contributions to combating TB.
Kochon Foundation
An independent Korean non-profit foundation that presents the Kochon Prize to recognise significant contributions to the fight against tuberculosis.
Stop TB Partnership
A global partnership that works to end tuberculosis and co-presents the Kochon Prize in partnership with the Kochon Foundation.
The details
The award was presented on November 5, 2026, at the Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting in Indonesia. Soumya Swaminathan nominated REACH, and the Kochon Prize is presented by the Kochon Foundation in partnership with the Stop TB Partnership.
Timeline
November 5, 2026: Kochon Prize presented at the Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting in Indonesia.
November 6, 2026: Report of REACH's award published.
Culture Shift
The Kochon Prize, presented by the Kochon Foundation with the Stop TB Partnership, has recognised Indian contributors in 2006, 2017 and 2024, and REACH's 2026 award adds a civil society non-profit to that record. The prize's recognition of a civil society group alongside a national programme and a national tuberculosis program reflects a broader pattern of honouring grassroots TB response work.
The source does not describe any changes to services, access, or pricing that readers would need to act on. Readers interested in TB programmes can follow the work of REACH and the Stop TB Partnership for future updates on funding and activities.
The takeaway
Recognition of civil society groups like REACH signals that community-level tuberculosis work is being valued alongside national programmes and research institutions. Readers who want to support the fight against TB can learn more about the global effort through the Stop TB Partnership.
Further reading
Explore more recognition stories in our Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Hindu.
