Today is World Tuberculosis Day. The day is observed on 24th March every year to raise awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of Tuberculosis (TB) and to step up efforts to end the global epidemic. The day is observed to commemorate the anniversary of Dr. Robert Koch’s discovery of the TB bacteria in 1882.
President Droupadi Murmu, in her message, said that Tuberculosis continues to pose a significant public health challenge, affecting millions of lives across the world. President Murmu noted that the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has made remarkable progress in expanding early diagnosis, ensuring free treatment, strengthening nutritional support and improving patient care. The president added that this progress underscores the shared determination and the strength of the National TB Elimination Programme. She urged all stakeholders to work together with collective resolve to end tuberculosis once and for all.
This year’s theme is “Yes! We Can End TB.” The theme offers an opportunity to reflect on ongoing efforts and encourage stronger commitment at local, national and international levels to end TB, by combating the growing threat of drug-resistant TB.
Doctors, scientists and researchers have highlighted the importance of early action against TB. Dr Anant Mohan, Professor and Head, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi, has said that the government’s National Tuberculosis Eradication Program is helping to strengthen the country’s fight against tuberculosis. He said the programme aims to reduce the incidence of TB in a graded manner over the next ten to fifteen years.
Dr Mohan said TB is spread by inhalation or droplet infection, especially by coughing. He said people who are immunocompromised for example, those who are suffering from Cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, kidney failure or other chronic disorders, are the most vulnerable at risk of developing TB. Speaking about the symptoms of TB, Dr Mohan said fever, lasting from several days to few weeks, cough, breathing difficulties; and chest pain are among the most common ones. He also highlighted the importance of early action against TB, and said awareness and timely care are critical to ending TB.
