Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, with the WHO-endorsed Direct Observed Treatment (DOT) therapy often hindered by suboptimal adherence due to stigma, poverty, and logistical constraints. DOT requires patients to visit healthcare facilities regularly for 4-6 months, a prolonged and challenging process for many. To address these barriers, MyTBCompanion was developed, shifting from DOT to asynchronous Video Observed Therapy (A-VOT). Patients record self-medication videos for later review by healthcare professionals, eliminating the need for frequent in-person visits. The web and mobile platform also supports side-effect reporting, teleconsultation scheduling, gamification, and educational materials to enhance TB awareness and treatment adherence. Available in five languages, English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and Indonesian - MyTBCompanion ensures inclusivity.

Usability studies involving 49 TB patients from Malaysia and Indonesia reported overwhelmingly positive feedback, with users praising its engagement, functionality, and design. Many expressed willingness to recommend the app, highlighting its potential to overcome social and logistical barriers in traditional TB care.

http://www.mytbcompanion.com

• Asia and Pacific

• Indigenous and nomadic peoples
• The poor
• Migrants
• Remote and rural communities
• Any TB patients especially those from the under-served communities

The MyTBCompanion app has strong potential for expansion and replication in other regions, helping to improve TB care on a larger scale.The core of MyTBCompanion—its intelligent chatbot, educational resources, and treatment support—can be customized for different countries. The chatbot’s responses and in-app content can be tailored to match local TB treatment guidelines, cultural norms, and healthcare infrastructure. By collaborating with local health authorities and medical professionals, the app can ensure that information remains relevant, accurate, and accessible to diverse populations. Supporting multiple languages, including regional dialects, will further improve user engagement and inclusivity.

The app’s impact in improving TB awareness, treatment adherence, and patient engagement can serve as a model for other countries facing similar TB challenges. By showcasing success stories and measurable outcomes, MyTBCompanion can inspire adoption in regions where TB remains a public health concern. Governments and health organizations can study the app’s effectiveness and replicate its approach to digital TB management, potentially reducing the disease burden on a global scale.

MyTBCompanion can incorporate new features such as AI-powered diagnostics, remote monitoring tools, and integration with wearable health devices. These innovations could further enhance TB management, especially in remote and underserved areas. By leveraging cloud-based infrastructure, the app can be easily deployed in multiple regions without extensive setup costs.

MyTBCompanion leverages digital technology to address logistical, social, and economic barriers to tuberculosis treatment. By replacing in-person visits with asynchronous video therapy (A-VOT), it reduces dependency on physical healthcare infrastructure, lowering costs for both patients and providers. Its multilingual support ensures inclusivity, while features like teleconsultations, gamification, and educational content engage users and promote long-term adherence. Positive feedback from usability studies highlights its scalability and potential for widespread adoption. By improving treatment outcomes and reducing TB transmission, the app supports healthier communities and contributes to strengthening public health systems, ensuring long-term impact and relevance

The MyTBCompanion project aligns with WSIS values by fostering a people-centric, inclusive, and development-oriented Information Society. It empowers individuals through accessible digital technology, enabling TB patients to create and share self-monitoring videos and access educational resources. With support for multiple languages, the app ensures inclusivity across diverse communities, breaking barriers related to language, stigma, and geography. By integrating features like teleconsultation and gamification, it promotes equitable access to healthcare and information, allowing users to utilize and share knowledge about TB treatment effectively. Ultimately, the project enhances community well-being and supports sustainable development through digital innovation.