World Tuberculosis Day 2024: Date, Theme, History and Significance

World Tuberculosis Day is commemorated each year on the 24th of March. This day is celebrated globally to create awareness among people about tuberculosis. Tuberculosis, an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs.

Theme of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2024:

• This year the theme of 2024 World Tuberculosis (TB) Day will be  ‘Yes! We can end TB’. The theme implies eliminating the world's deadliest disease, with sustained efforts and awareness campaigns.

History of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day: 

• March 24, 1882 is considered an important date against tuberculosis because on this day Dr. Robert Koch discovered TB bacteria.
• This unprecedented announcement led to a better understanding, diagnosis and ultimately treatment of the disease.
• Exactly 100 years after Robert Koch's discovery, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUTLD) proposed celebrating World TB Day on 24 March.
• In this way the first World TB Day was officially celebrated in 1983. Since then it is celebrated as an annual event on 24 March.

Significance of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day:

• The day is an annual event to continue research and investment on tuberculosis treatment strategies, prevention methods and awareness.
• According to the WHO, it is estimated that about a quarter of the global population has been infected with TB bacteria.
• About 5–10% of individuals infected with TB will eventually develop symptoms and progress to TB disease.
• TB disease is usually treated with antibiotics. Without treatment it can be fatal.

Ways to prevent Tuberculosis (TB):

• It is an infectious disease typically caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) bacteria. To prevent the bacteria from spreading from affected people to other people, the following measures should be taken:
  • Practise good Hygiene
  • Avoiding contact with other people
  • Wearing a mask
  • Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

About Tuberculosis (TB):

• Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It belongs to the ‘Mycobacteriaceae family’ having about 200 members.
• Some mycobacteria cause tuberculosis and leprosy in humans. It infects animals on a very wide scale.
• TB most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) in humans, but it can also affect other organs (extra-pulmonary TB).
• Tuberculosis is a very ancient disease. Evidence of its existence was found in Egypt around 3000 BC.
• Currently TB is a curable disease.

Spread of Tuberculosis:

• Tuberculosis is transmitted from one person to another through the air. When a person suffering from pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes or spits, he spreads TB germs into the air. Due to which many other people get affected.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis:

• Common symptoms of ‘pulmonary TB’ can include the following:
  • Coughing with mucus and sometimes bleeding
  • Chest pain
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Fever and night sweats