About us

Our mission

We support national and international projects focussed on research, prevention and treatment of tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses.

History

Tuberculosis is as old as humankind. In Europe, the tuberculosis-epidemic reached its high point between 1720 and 1850. The large population growth in the cities during the industrial revolution and the poor hygienic conditions formed the ideal breeding ground for the disease.

On March 24, 1882, Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. During the decennia after the discovery, new cures for the infectious disease were developed and the survival rate improved drastically.

The first successful remedy against TB was the introduction of the sanatorium cure in 1854. A sanatorium is a medical facility for long-term illnesses, mostly associated with the treatment of TB in the late 19th and 20th century, before the discovery of antibiotics. Sanatoria were located near the sea, in the mountains and in rural areas. Treatments consisted of plenty of rest, fresh air and improved nutrition.

In the first half of the 20th century lung resections and collapse therapy were used. The survival rate improved drastically in the mid 20th century with the discovery of several anti-tuberculous drugs.

The Belgian National League against Tuberculosis was founded in 1898. Its main role was to coordinate regional initiatives concerning operational and financial support and prevention of tuberculosis. The Department of East Flanders was founded as a non-profit organisation in 1926. The organisation created community clinics in East Flanders and developed a mobile radiology screening facility. The majority of operational activities were progressively taken over by the government in the 1980’s.