World Tuberculosis Day is commemorated annually on 24th March to heighten public awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic impact of tuberculosis (TB) and to intensify global efforts to end the TB epidemic. The day also marks the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis—the bacterium that causes TB.
Why World TB Day is Observed & Its Significance
On 24th March 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause TB, laying the foundation for diagnosing and treating this disease. Today, TB remains one of the deadliest infectious killers worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 4100 people succumb to TB every day, and an estimated 28,000 individuals contract this disease daily. Disturbingly, deaths from TB rose in 2020 for the first time in over a decade. The WHO reported that approximately 9.9 million people fell ill with TB in 2020 and around 1.5 million died. Since 2000, global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 66 million lives. India alone accounts for approximately 26% of TB cases worldwide. World TB Day aims to educate the global population about TB and its widespread impact.
Theme for World TB Day 2022
The theme for World TB Day 2022 is “Invest to End TB. Save Lives.” This theme highlights the urgent need to allocate resources to intensify the fight against TB and fulfill commitments made by world leaders to end this disease.
Global & National Initiatives to Combat TB
At a global level, The WHO has undertaken the joint initiative “Find. Treat. All. #EndTB” in collaboration with the Global Fund and Stop TB Partnership. The WHO also publishes the Global Tuberculosis Report annually.
In India, several initiatives have been launched, including the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis Elimination (2017-2025), The Nikshay Ecosystem (National TB information system), Nikshay Poshan Yojana (a financial support program), and the “TB Harega Desh Jeetega” Campaign.
Currently, two vaccines — VPM 1002 and Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii (MIP) — are in Phase-3 clinical trials.
Understanding Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which belongs to the Mycobacteriaceae family comprising about 200 species. Some of these bacteria cause diseases like TB and leprosy in humans, while others infect a wide array of animals.
In humans, TB primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB). However, it can also impact other organs (extra-pulmonary TB). TB is an ancient disease, documented as early as 3000 BC in Egypt. Despite its enduring presence, TB is both treatable and curable.
Transmission & Symptoms of TB
TB spreads from person to person via airborne droplets. When individuals with pulmonary TB cough, sneeze, or spit, they release TB bacteria into the air.
Common symptoms of active lung TB include coughing with sputum and occasionally with blood, chest pain, general weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.