‘TB Warriors’ virtual game aims to raise awareness of tuberculosis

Despite being curable and preventable, tuberculosis (TB) remains among the world’s deadliest diseases, as many are not recognizing the critical importance of seeking help early. In fact, Southeast Asia carries the highest burden for TB globally, and yet 4 in 10 people with TB in the region go undiagnosed and untreated. 

With the aim of achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal of ending TB by 2030, Johnson & Johnson has launched the second phase of its regional youth movement that looks to empower a generation to end the disease.

Launched in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, TB Warriors is an online game where players take on the persona of a ‘TB Warrior’ and navigate different gaming elements, in turn testing their knowledge and understanding of TB in a fun and interactive way.

In the game, players are tasked to spot and click on as many characters in a scene as possible that are displaying symptoms of tuberculosis, and players will be tracked against how long they take to complete the game. Upon clicking the characters, players will also have access to more educational information on TB and its symptoms.

Players can replay multiple times, with each play recorded into the leaderboard. They must submit their high score to the competition by taking the TB Quiz after the game.

Players can compete across the leaderboard and contribute to winning the title of ‘TB Warrior Country of 2022’ signifying the market with the highest proactive engagement and cause awareness in the region. As of writing the Philippines ranks at #1 with 198 TB warriors.

Through repeated engagement with the game, the primary aim is to drive health-seeking behaviors among the youth, including testing, prevention, and treatment of tuberculosis, and also encouraging them to share and drive the cause to help raise awareness and elevate the issue of TB.

The microsite also hosts educational resources including educational videos that touch on key topics such as ‘What is TB?’ and ‘Symptoms of TB’; scrollable stories that take players through the life of someone who has contracted TB; and other downloadable resources.