World Tuberculosis (TB) Day

About World Tuberculosis (TB) Day

• It is celebrated to raise awareness around the disease, increase efforts to eradicate the disease, and mobilise support for those affected by TB.
• Background
  • March 24, 1882 is considered a significant date in the battle against tuberculosis as it is on this day that Dr Robert Koch discovered the bacteria that causes TB.
  • This groundbreaking announcement led to better understanding, diagnosis, and eventual treatment of the disease.
  • It was not before the year 1982, on the centenary of Dr. Koch's discovery that the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) proposed observing March 24 as World TB Day to raise awareness about TB and its global impact.
  • The first World TB Day was officially observed in 1983, and since then, it has become an annual event.
• Theme of World Tuberculosis day 2024: “YesA! We can end TB”.
• Significance of the day: World Tuberculosis Day aims to unite governments, health organizations, and communities worldwide in their commitment to end the TB epidemic by ensuring access to quality care for all those affected.

What is Tuberculosis?

• It is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria is responsible for TB.
• It mainly affects the lungs, but it can affect any part of the body, including the tummy (abdomen), glands, bones and nervous system.
• TB is a potentially serious condition, but it can be cured if it's treated with the right antibiotics.

Q1) What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

It occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

Source: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2024: Date, history, theme and significance