Indian NGO REACH receives Kochon Prize 2026

Indian NGO REACH, a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the tuberculosis (TB) response in India, has been awarded the Kochon Prize 2026, marking the first time a civil society, non-profit organization from India has received this prestigious global recognition. The Kochon Prize, presented by the Kochon Foundation, an independent Korean non-profit foundation, in collaboration with the Stop TB Partnership, honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the fight against TB.

This year's award was shared by REACH, the Centre for Health Solutions in Kenya, and the Marshall Islands TB Control Program.

REACH's co-founder and chairperson, Nalini Krishnan, emphasized the importance of treating individuals, not just the disease, noting that their work involves addressing social, community, family, mental health, and situational challenges. She described REACH as a remarkable organization that has consistently been ahead of the curve in public health action, particularly in the field of TB.

Soumya Swaminathan, chairperson of the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and former chief scientist at the WHO, nominated REACH for the award, praising the organization for its dedication to community health workers and their commitment to helping families affected by TB and non-communicable diseases.

REACH director Ramya Ananthakrishnan expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering commitment of the organization's community health workers, TB Nanbans, and TB Champions, as well as the families affected by TB and NCDs. She stated that the recognition serves as motivation to continue working towards equitable access to health.