EugeneBell Foundation

2019

The Foundation expanded the pilot project called ‘Early Diagnosis, Early Treatment.’ to all areas of Pyongyang.

2018

Key to the Foundation’s treatment program is the use of portable diagnostic equipment, which makes it possible for delegations to assist with on-site, rapid diagnosis of MDR-TB patients. The Foundation expanded its stock of GeneXpert rapid test devices to a total of 15 units. It also launched a pilot project called 'Early Diagnosis, Early Treatment.’

2017

A documentary titled ‘Out of Breath’ was produced about the Eugene Bell Foundation's treatment program. This educational documentary was aired on NHK World.

2016

Four more GeneXpert rapid test devices were added to the treatment program, bringing the total to ten. This made it possible to diagnose and enroll more patients.

2015

The Eugene Bell Foundation was selected by a well-known humanitarian aid organization, Partners in Health (PIH), to implement the North Korean component of a program called ‘endTB,’ which was funded by UNITAID.
To increase patient capacity at the twelve MDR-TB treatment centers supported by the Eugene Bell Foundation, EBF designed and began sending well-insulated prefabricated patient wards. Each ward has two patient rooms and a kitchen, and is designed with natural ventilation to protect staff from infection. A pilot project involved the assembly of seven wards at a North Korean tuberculosis treatment center.

2014

The Foundation increased the number of GeneXpert rapid test devices in its multidrug-resistant TB program. This made it possible to diagnose and enroll patients faster. The treatment program was expanded to North Hwanghae Province and South Hwanghae Province.

2013

Agreement was reached with North Korean health authorities to expand EBF’s multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) program to two more provinces. This will increase the number of MDR-TB treatment centers in the program from eight centers in Pyongyang and North and South Pyongan Provinces to a total of twelve centers, including four additional centers in North and South Hwanghae Provinces.
EBF launched a nutritional support program for MDR-TB patients.
More vehicles were added to EBF’s transport system, making it possible for visiting delegations to deliver all supplies provided by the Foundation.

2012

The number of treatment centers supported by EBF’s multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) program grew from six to eight.
GeneXperts were introduced to the multidrug-resistant tuberculosis program. This portable diagnostic equipment makes rapid, on-site diagnosis possible. MDR-TB patients no longer need to wait six months for their disease to be diagnosed in a laboratory before beginning treatment.
The Eugene Bell Foundation moved to a larger office in Anyang.
The Foundation received the President’s Award from the Korea Broadcasting Service (KBS).

2011

EBF received the 'DMZ Peace Prize Exchange and Cooperation Award' from the Gangwon Province Daily Newspaper.
Director Heo Min’s documentary on the Eugene Bell Foundation’s MDR-TB Program, titled ‘Breathe Life,’ won the Best Documentary Award at the Pacific Film Festival.