World Tuberculosis Day 24th March; History, Significance And Theme

World Tuberculosis Day

Every year, on March 24th, we observe World TB Day, also commonly known as World Tuberculosis Day. This is a worldwide event, the most important aim of which is to raise public awareness of the Tuberculosis disease. Additionally, it also aims to make people aware of the efforts that are being made to not only prevent but also treat this disease. 

World Tuberculosis Day 2023 Theme

The theme for this year’s World Tuberculosis Day is “Yes! We can end TB!” and it focuses on urging leaders from around the world to take action to stop the TB epidemic. The theme highlights the significance of various factors, including increased funding, prompt action, collaboration among different sectors, swift implementation of new WHO guidelines, and innovative approaches to eliminate tuberculosis.

History of World TB Day:

Caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, TB is an infectious bacterial disease that commonly affects a person’s lungs. It was on March 24th the year 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch, a German physician, and microbiologist detected that the cause of this disease was TB Bacillus. 100 year later, in 1982, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease launched World TB Day on this very date. Then, in 1996, the WHO joined this union, along with other organizations to promote this day, thereby formally establishing the Stop TB Partnership in 1998. Together, they aim to fight and prevent Tuberculosis. 

How do people observe World TB Day?

On this day, various organizations around the world organize events and activities surrounding Tuberculosis. Organizations involved in the Stop TB Partnership work with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to promote this day every year. Some of the activities and events they organize are:

1. Organize community discussions regarding ways to prevent tuberculosis.
2. Honor, award, and reward those who have dedicated their lives in order to prevent and fight against this disease. 
3. Photo exhibitions to promote images and thereby raise awareness of TB. 
4. Charity events to raise funds for the control of TB. 

Check List Of Important Days & Dates Of The Year

Themes of World TB Day:

Every year, World TB Day addresses a different theme. Some of these themes are:

1. 2000: Forging new partnerships to stop TB
2. 2001: DOTS: TB cure for all
3. 2002: Stop TB, fight poverty
4. 2003: DOTS cured me- it will cure you too!
5. 2004: Every breath counts- stop TB now!
6. 2005: Frontline TB care providers: heroes in the fight against TB
7. 2006: actions for life- towards a world free of TB
8. 2007: TB anywhere is TB everywhere
9. 2008-09: I am stopping TB
10. 2010: Innovate to accelerate action
11. 2011: Transforming the fight toward elimination
12. 2012: Call for a world free of TB
13. 2013: Stop TB in my lifetime
14. 2014: Reach the three million: A TB test, treatment, and cure for all
15. 2015: Gear up to end TB
16. 2016: Unite to end TB
17. 2017: Unite to end TB
18. 2018: Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free world
19. 2019: It’s time
20. 2020: “It’s time”

The theme for World TB Day 2021 was “’The Clock is Ticking”  –conveying the sense that the world is running out of time to act on the commitments to end TB made by global leaders. This is especially critical in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that has put End TB progress at risk, and to ensure equitable access to prevention and care in line with WHO’s drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Check List Of Important Days & Dates Of The Year