Every year, March 24 is observed as World Tuberculosis (TB) Day globally to raise awareness about tuberculosis. This year, TB Day is being marked under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”
The day is commemorated for the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for causing TB, by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing tiny droplets that contain the bacteria.
1.6 Mn People Died
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tuberculosis is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. In 2023, an estimated 10 million individuals were newly diagnosed with tuberculosis, and approximately 1.6 million people died from the disease.
While TB is largely preventable with proper vaccination, treatment, and care, certain factors such as poverty, malnutrition, weak healthcare systems, and the global HIV/AIDS epidemic have led to continued high rates of infection.
Working Together Will End TB
We can eradicate tuberculosis with a multi-pronged approach, including improved diagnostics, universal access to treatment, better vaccines, robust healthcare systems, and addressing the social factors that increase vulnerability to the disease.
With strong global cooperation, adequate funding, and political commitment, we can work toward a future where TB is no longer a global health threat. The goal is not just to control TB, but to eliminate it as a public health problem entirely.
