World Tuberculosis Day: History, significance, theme, symptoms and preventions

World Tuberculosis Day: World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on March 24. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to end the TB epidemic by 2030. WHO works with different organizations to increase access to TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and to develop new tools and strategies for TB control. This day is observed to reflect on the progress made in the fight against the disease and to refocus on the commitment to eradicate the epidemic. Additionally, World Tuberculosis Day also offers a reminder that tuberculosis is not merely a health disorder but also a social issue since malnutrition and poverty also contribute to the spreading of the disorder. 

LM Singh, Managing Director-India, Vital Strategies said, “Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in India, having the world’s highest burden both in terms of the number of cases and deaths. India accounts for 28% of all TB cases worldwide. It’s urgent that we focus on strengthening our health systems and investing in TB prevention. India has set an ambitious goal to eliminate TB by 2025 and the government has made significant efforts to eradicate TB. However, the momentum was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, we must focus on prioritizing the health system and investing in TB prevention, detection, and treatment.” 

TB afflicts more than 10 million people each year. India contributes to over 30 per cent of the global TB burden. In 2021, India had an estimated 30 lakh new TB cases. About 38 per cent of global TB deaths took place in India. 

According to Raghavendra Goud Vaggu, Global CEO, EMPE Diagnostics, Molecular testing should be encouraged to produce more rapid diagnostic TB kits with MDR and preXDR so that access to diagnosing tuberculosis symptoms and detection of multidrug resistance becomes easy and precise.

World Tuberculosis Day: Theme  

The theme for 2023 World Tuberculosis Day is "Yes! We can end TB!". The objective behind the theme is to inspire hope and encourage high-level leadership, faster adoption of new World Health Organisation recommendations, growth in investments, accelerated actions, adoption of innovations, and multisectoral collaboration to tackle tuberculosis. 

World Tuberculosis Day: How TB is spreading 

TB spread through the air from one person to another.

World Tuberculosis Day: Symptoms 

• Cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
• Pain in the chest
• Coughing up blood or sputum 
• Weakness or fatigue
• Weight loss
• Appetite loss
• chills
• fever
• Sweating at night

World Tuberculosis Day: