What is Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The most common form of TB is pulmonary tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs. However, TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain, leading to extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Background

24 March commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch astounded the scientific community by announcing to a small group of scientists at the University of Berlin's Institute of Hygiene that he had discovered the cause of tuberculosis, the TB bacillus.According to Koch's colleague, Paul Ehrlich, "At this memorable session, Koch appeared before the public with an announcement which marked a turning-point in the story of a virulent human infectious disease. In clear, simple words Koch explained the aetiology of tuberculosis with convincing force, presenting many of his microscope slides and other pieces of evidence."At the time of Koch's announcement in Berlin, TB was raging through Europe and the Americas, causing the death of one out of every seven people. Koch's discovery opened the way toward diagnosing and curing tuberculosis.

History

In 1982, on the one-hundredth anniversary of Robert Koch's presentation, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) proposed that 24 March be proclaimed an official World TB Day. This was part of a year-long centennial effort by the IUATLD and the World Health Organization (WHO) under the theme "Defeat TB: Now and Forever." World TB Day was not officially recognized as an annual occurrence by WHO's World Health Assembly and the United Nations until over a decade later.

In the fall of 1995, WHO and the Royal Netherlands Tuberculosis Foundation (KNCV) hosted the first World TB Day advocacy planning meeting in The Hague, Netherlands; an event they would continue co-sponsor over the next few years. In 1996, WHO, KNCV, the IUATLD and other concerned organizations joined to conduct a wide range of World TB Day activities.

For World TB Day 1997, WHO held a news conference in Berlin during which WHO Director-General Hiroshi Nakajima declared that "DOTS is the biggest health breakthrough of this decade, according to lives we will be able to save."WHO's Global TB Programme Director, Dr. Arata Kochi, promised that, "Today the situation of the global TB epidemic is about to change, because we have made a breakthrough. It is the breakthrough of health management systems that makes it possible to control TB not only in wealthy countries, but in all parts of the developing world, where 95 percent of all TB cases now exist."

By 1998, nearly 200 organizations conducted public outreach activities on World TB Day.During its World TB Day 1998 news conference in London, WHO for the first time identified the top twenty-two countries with the world's highest TB burden.The next year, over 60 key TB advocates from 18 countries attended the three-day WHO/KNCV planning meeting for World TB Day 1999.

U.S. President Bill Clinton marked World TB Day 2000 by administering the WHO-recommended Directly Observed Therapy, Short-Course (DOTS) treatment to patients at the Mahavir Hospital in Hyderabad, India. According to Clinton, "These are human tragedies, economic calamities, and far more than crises for you, they are crises for the world. The spread of disease is the one global problem for which ... no nation is immune."

In Canada, the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health noted on World TB Day 2014 that 64% of TB cases reported nationally were among foreign-born individuals and 23% among Aboriginal people, highlighting TB as a key area of concern about health equity.

Today the Stop TB Partnership, a network of organizations and countries fighting TB (the IUATLD is a member and WHO houses the Stop TB Partnership secretariat in Geneva), organizes the Day to highlight the scope of the disease and how to prevent and cure it.

Importance of World Tuberculosis Day

•Raising Awareness: World Tuberculosis Day plays a crucial role in raising awareness about tuberculosis, its impact on individuals and communities, and the importance of early detection and treatment. Increased awareness is key to dispelling myths, reducing stigma, and encouraging individuals to seek medical assistance promptly.

•Political Commitment: The day serves as a catalyst for political commitment at national and international levels. It prompts governments, policymakers, and health organizations to renew their dedication to TB control efforts, allocate resources, and implement policies that strengthen healthcare systems.

•Community Engagement: World Tuberculosis Day encourages community involvement in TB prevention and control. By engaging communities, promoting health education, and involving affected individuals, a more comprehensive and effective approach to TB control can be achieved.

•Resource Mobilization: The day acts as a call to action for resource mobilization. Adequate funding is crucial for research, development of new treatments, and the implementation of robust TB control programs. World Tuberculosis Day helps garner support from governments, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector.

Awareness Initiatives on World Tuberculosis Day

World Tuberculosis Day serves as a focal point for various awareness initiatives aimed at educating the public, dispelling myths, and fostering a sense of responsibility. Some key awareness initiatives include:

•Educational Campaigns: Health organizations, NGOs, and governments conduct educational campaigns to disseminate information about TB, its symptoms, and methods of prevention. These campaigns utilize various media channels to reach a broad audience.

•Community Events: Local events such as seminars, workshops, and health fairs are organized to engage communities directly. These events provide platforms for interactive discussions, distribution of informational materials, and free screenings for TB.

•Social Media Campaigns: Leveraging the power of social media, awareness campaigns on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram aim to reach a global audience. Hashtags, infographics, and personal stories contribute to a broader understanding of TB-related issues.

•Medical Camps: In some regions, medical camps are set up to provide free TB screenings, consultations, and distribution of information. These camps bring healthcare services directly to communities, promoting accessibility.

World Tuberculosis Day – FAQs

When is World TB Day observed?

World Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24th to commemorate the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium.

How can individuals contribute to TB awareness?

Individuals can contribute to TB awareness by educating themselves and others about TB, dispelling myths and misconceptions, supporting TB-related initiatives, and promoting early detection and treatment.

What is the current global burden of TB?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 10 million people fell ill with TB in 2020, and 1.5 million died from the disease, making it one of the top ten causes of death worldwide.

Can TB be prevented?

TB can be prevented through vaccination (BCG vaccine), early detection, and appropriate treatment. Addressing social determinants such as poverty and malnutrition is also crucial for TB prevention.

How does World Tuberculosis Day contribute to TB control?

World Tuberculosis Day contributes to TB control by raising awareness, fostering political commitment, engaging communities, and mobilizing resources. It provides a platform for global collaboration and advocacy to address the challenges posed by TB.