KOCHON PRIZE 2026

07 Nov 2026

Tags: Prelims   Current events of national and international importance

Source: The Hindu

Context: REACH became the first Indian civil society, non-profit organisation to receive the Kochon Prize for its contribution to combating tuberculosis (TB).

About the Kochon Prize

  • Awarded by: Kochon Foundation (South Korea), in partnership with the Stop TB Partnership.
  • Purpose: Recognises individuals and organisations making significant contributions to the fight against TB.
  • 2026 Awardees:
    • REACH – India.
    • Centre for Health Solutions – Kenya.
    • Marshall Islands TB Control Program.

About REACH

  • Full name: Resource Group for Education and Advocacy for Community Health.
  • Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
  • Nature: Women-led, not-for-profit civil society organisation.
  • Focus: Strengthening India's TB response through community-based and integrated patient care.

Prelims Question

Q1. With reference to the Kochon Prize, consider the following statements:

  1. It recognises individuals and organisations for their contributions towards combating tuberculosis.
  2. It is awarded by the World Health Organization in collaboration with the Stop TB Partnership.
  3. The Stop TB Partnership is hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
  4. REACH became the first Indian civil society organisation to receive the Kochon Prize in 2026.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is Correct: The Kochon Prize recognises significant contributions by individuals and organisations towards ending tuberculosis.
  • Statement 2 is Incorrect: The prize is awarded by the Kochon Foundation of South Korea in partnership with the Stop TB Partnership, not the WHO.
  • Statement 3 is Correct: The Stop TB Partnership is hosted by UNOPS.
  • Statement 4 is Correct: REACH (Resource Group for Education and Advocacy for Community Health), headquartered in Chennai, became the first Indian civil society, non-profit organisation to receive the award.