DMU designs new animation to raise awareness of TB

A new animation has been created to try to raise awareness of the symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) among people in Leicester.

Cases of TB in Leicester are significantly above the national average, with an average of 150 patients a year treated. However, many people are unaware that the disease still existed or knew the symptoms they should report to their GP.

TB is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. However, it can affect any part of the body, including the glands, bones and nervous system.

TB nurse Roz Kennedy, of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, approached De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) to come up with the animation after patients consulted by the specialist service suggested raising awareness of TB in a new and creative way for the trust’s #ThinkTBLeicester campaign.

It needed to be visual and simple, to get the message across in communities where English may not be the first language.  The animation spells out the signs and symptoms of TB, who is at higher risk and where to get help. 



Postgraduate student Matthew Brookes, programme leader Nick Higgett, programme leader in MultiMedia Design and Pinky Bazaz, lecturer in Design in the Creative Industries, collaborated on the project. Matthew created the animation which was voiced by Anna Brophy, (Cultural Events Managament MSc).

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Pinky said: “As a project which would directly connect with the local community we were very eager to help. We have been able to utilise the skill sets of postgraduate students to produce an informative animation.

“We were conscious of the target audience and Roz provided key information and invaluable feedback thorough out which allowed us to create an effective but simple animation. This has been an exciting live project, giving the students a real life understanding of working within a multi-disciplinary team outside of the design industry."

A spokesman for Leicester’s hospitals said: “The beauty of the #ThinkTBLeicester project lies in it grounding in patient and community involvement. It draws on the experiences and ideas of patients and the expertise of our local university. It also gives a unique opportunity for students to showcase their skills for the benefit of others.”

The project has been supported by #DMUlocal the university’s initiative to create positive change across Leicester.