Tuberculosis often causes permanent lung damage. Those affected suffer from shortness of breath and fatigue, and face an increased risk of heart disease. Globally, an estimated 77 million people live with health problems resulting from TB. Yet, this remains a blind spot: to date, only minimal research has been conducted into the long-term consequences of TB.
About half of patients treated for tuberculosis continue to suffer from respiratory disorders after recovery. They remain short of breath, tire quickly, and are unable to simply resume their old lives, work, or caring for their families. Furthermore, they face an increased risk of heart problems and lung cancer—though other factors also play a role in the latter. They are three to four times more likely to die within ten years than the rest of the population.
Large-scale study in Bangladesh
Despite its significant impact on public health, little research has been conducted to date into detecting and mitigating [MJ1.1]the long-term consequences of TB. In 2025, we started a pioneering initiative in Bangladesh. The research guides patients through the entire recovery process and tests innovative rehabilitation techniques.
The project is structured as follows:
![[RV4.1]A healthcare worker tests a patient's lung function using a spirometer.](https://damienfoundation.be/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Photo-spirometer.png "Photo spirometer")
A healthcare worker tests a patient’s lung function using a spirometer.
Step 1
Door-to-door screenings: We visit families at home to detect TB and permanent lung damage early.
Step 2
Thorough lung examination: We use various diagnostic techniques to determine the severity of the lung damage.
Step 3
Specialised referral: We ensure that people with serious complications receive suitable medical care immediately.
Step 4
6-week rehabilitation programme: We offer people with milder conditions a programme consisting of physical exercises (easy to do at home), health advice (regarding nutrition, smoking…), and medication.
Promising results
The preliminary results of this 18-month pilot project are promising: we can see that the subjects’ fitness has increased significantly. The study demonstrates that it is feasible to detect the long-term effects of TB and reduce respiratory problems, even in contexts with limited financial resources. These results can shape global guidelines and provide millions of affected individuals with a genuine opportunity to recover.
To date, two publications containing the preliminary results of this research have appeared in prominent scientific journals:
- Preliminary outcomes of the first population-based project on pulmonary rehabilitation for post-TB lung disease, published in The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.
- Feasibility and efficacy of a population-based pulmonary rehabilitation for post-tuberculosis lung disease in Bangladesh, published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.
This study is conducted in collaboration with the following partners: the National TB Program of Bangladesh, Stop TB Partnership, Bangladesh Lung Foundation & Instituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri.
Published on 20 May 2026