World Tuberculosis Day is observed each year on March 24 to create and raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and work to completely eliminate this disease. TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs, although it can also affect other parts of the body. TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal to eliminate the disease by 2030.
History
Dr. Robert Koch in 1882 identified the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against the disease, which had been one of the leading causes of death for centuries. In 1982, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) launched World TB Day on March 24, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Koch’s discovery.
Theme
The first World TB Day was observed in 1983, with the theme “Defeat TB: Now and Forever”. Since then, the day has been marked every year with a new theme that focuses on a specific aspect of the global fight against TB. The theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2023 is “Yes! We can end TB!” which aims to inspire and encourage high-level leadership, increased investments, faster uptake of new WHO recommendations, adoption of innovations, accelerated action, and multisectoral collaboration to fight the Tuberculosis epidemic.
Significance
World TB Day is an opportunity to unite the global population in the fight against the disease. The day is also an opportunity to focus on the progress made in the prevention and treatment of Tuberculosis, and to advocate for more funding and research to combat the disease.
Prevention
✦ Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here are some of the preventive measures that one can adopt to stay away from this disease.
✦ Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure when it comes to TB. The most commonly used vaccine for tuberculosis is Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine.
✦ Tuberculosis is a contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sneezes.
✦ Maintain good hygiene and wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after being in public places.
✦ A healthy diet and regular exercise can elevate your immune system which will help against the infection.
✦ If you ever come in contact with an infected person or shows symptoms of Tuberculosis, make sure to get yourself tested.
History
Dr. Robert Koch in 1882 identified the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against the disease, which had been one of the leading causes of death for centuries. In 1982, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) launched World TB Day on March 24, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Koch’s discovery.
Theme
The first World TB Day was observed in 1983, with the theme “Defeat TB: Now and Forever”. Since then, the day has been marked every year with a new theme that focuses on a specific aspect of the global fight against TB. The theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2023 is “Yes! We can end TB!” which aims to inspire and encourage high-level leadership, increased investments, faster uptake of new WHO recommendations, adoption of innovations, accelerated action, and multisectoral collaboration to fight the Tuberculosis epidemic.
Significance
World TB Day is an opportunity to unite the global population in the fight against the disease. The day is also an opportunity to focus on the progress made in the prevention and treatment of Tuberculosis, and to advocate for more funding and research to combat the disease.
Prevention
✦ Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here are some of the preventive measures that one can adopt to stay away from this disease.
✦ Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure when it comes to TB. The most commonly used vaccine for tuberculosis is Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine.
✦ Tuberculosis is a contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sneezes.
✦ Maintain good hygiene and wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after being in public places.
✦ A healthy diet and regular exercise can elevate your immune system which will help against the infection.
✦ If you ever come in contact with an infected person or shows symptoms of Tuberculosis, make sure to get yourself tested.
