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World Tuberculosis Day : 24 March


World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on March 24th to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and to work towards the eradication of this deadly disease. This day is significant as it marks the anniversary of the discovery of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882.


Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It is transmitted through the air when someone with active TB coughs, sneezes or speaks. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is a treatable and curable disease, but it remains a significant global public health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries.


According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tuberculosis is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, and it is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. In 2020, an estimated 10 million people fell ill with TB, and 1.5 million died from the disease. TB is also a leading cause of death among people living with HIV.


The theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2023 is "Accelerating action to end TB," which highlights the urgent need for increased efforts to eliminate TB.


Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and curable disease, but it requires awareness and action to prevent its spread. Here are some tips to prevent tuberculosis:

  1. Get vaccinated: The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine can provide protection against TB. This vaccine is recommended for infants and children living in areas with a high prevalence of TB.

  2. Practice good hygiene: TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Practicing good hygiene, such as covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, can help prevent the spread of TB.

  3. Avoid close contact with people who have TB: If you know someone who has TB, avoid close contact with them until they have completed their treatment.

  4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle can boost your immune system and reduce the risk of TB. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

  5. Screen for TB: If you are at high risk for TB, such as healthcare workers or people living with someone with active TB, you may need to be screened for TB regularly.

  6. Complete your TB treatment: If you are diagnosed with TB, it is important to complete your treatment as prescribed. Stopping treatment early can lead to drug-resistant TB and make it harder to treat.

  7. Improve ventilation: TB spreads more easily in poorly ventilated areas. Improving ventilation, especially in shared spaces, can help prevent the spread of TB.

On World Tuberculosis Day, we must renew our commitment to ending TB. We must work together to improve detection and diagnosis, increase access to treatment, address drug-resistant TB, address the social determinants of TB, and increase funding for TB research. By taking action, we can work towards a world free of TB.


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