World Tuberculosis Day 2024: Date, significance, theme and preventive measures against the disease

Every year on March 24 we observe World Tuberculosis (TB) Day to know more about the disease and to spread awareness. Tuberculosis, an infectious disease that mainly affects lungs, is one of the leading killer diseases that led to 1.3 million deaths in 2022.

It is caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis and it spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit. Tuberculosis is preventable and can be treated with a combination of antibacterial medications.

Let us learn more about this disease, how it affects us, and about World TB Day 2024.

World TB Day 2024 theme

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day's 2024 theme is, “Yes! We can end TB”. With continued efforts and awareness campaigns, the aim is to eradicate the world's deadliest disease.

History of World TB Day

March 24 is an important day 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 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. The first World TB Day was officially observed in 1983.

All you need to know about TB

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one-fourth of the world's population is believed to have been exposed to tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. Among those infected, around 5-10% are likely to develop symptoms and progress to TB disease.

When it comes to treatment for TB disease, it typically involves antibiotics and can be life-threatening if left untreated. It's crucial to maintain good hygiene practices, including covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with others, and wearing a mask, to prevent the spread of TB bacteria.

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