World Tuberculosis Day: Together We Can End TB

On March 24th, World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed globally to raise awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic impact of tuberculosis. The day also commemorates the discovery of the bacteria that cause TB by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882, a breakthrough that marked the beginning of efforts to eliminate the disease.

TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, killing over 1.6 million people in 2021, despite being both preventable and curable. This annual observance calls for collaborative action to close gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and access to quality healthcare, especially in underserved populations.

Three Facts:
1. One-quarter of the world’s population is infected with latent TB, meaning they have the bacteria but are not yet ill or contagious. Without treatment, about 10% of these individuals will develop active TB over their lifetimes.
2. TB disproportionately affects people in low-income countries and communities with limited access to healthcare. In 2021, nearly 80% of TB cases occurred in just 30 high-burden countries.
3. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a growing concern, as it complicates treatment and threatens to reverse progress made in eliminating TB worldwide.
How to Get Involved:
1. Spread the word using the campaign theme: “Yes! We can end TB!” on social media or community platforms.
2. Support TB education and screening programs in your local area or abroad, especially in high-risk communities.
3. Advocate for global funding and research initiatives to improve TB diagnostics, treatments, and vaccine availability.
Three Resources:
1. World Health Organization (WHO) – Comprehensive global TB data, programs, and prevention strategies.
2. Stop TB Partnership – Tools, awareness campaigns, and opportunities to support TB elimination efforts.
3. CDC: Tuberculosis – Information on U.S. and global TB prevention and treatment protocols.