World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed every year on March 24th to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. This year's theme is "The Clock is Ticking," which highlights the urgency to accelerate the global response to TB and reach the 2030 global targets of the WHO End TB Strategy.
TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It primarily affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is a curable and preventable disease, yet it continues to be one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2020, an estimated 10 million people fell ill with TB and 1.4 million died from the disease, including 208,000 people with HIV.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the TB epidemic by disrupting TB diagnosis, treatment, and care services. According to WHO, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a 21% reduction in TB case notifications globally in 2020, which is the largest decrease in over a decade. This means that many people with TB have gone undiagnosed and untreated, which can lead to more severe forms of TB and an increase in TB-related deaths.
To end the TB epidemic, we need a multisectoral and coordinated response that addresses the social, economic, and environmental determinants of TB, as well as the biological factors. This includes investing in TB research and development to improve TB diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines, and to develop new tools and strategies to reach the most vulnerable and marginalized populations.
We also need to ensure that everyone with TB has access to quality, patient-centered TB care, and that no one is left behind. This means strengthening health systems and addressing the stigma and discrimination that often accompany TB. It also means addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to TB, such as poverty, malnutrition, and overcrowding.
On this World TB Day, let us join together to call for action to end the TB epidemic. Let us raise our voices to demand that TB be a top priority on the global health agenda, and that adequate resources be allocated to TB research, development, and implementation. Let us work together to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to quality TB care, and that no one is left behind. The clock is ticking, and we must act now to end the TB epidemic once and for all.
Tuberculosis is often associated with poverty and inequality, as it disproportionately affects marginalized and vulnerable populations such as those living in crowded conditions, people with HIV, and people who use tobacco or alcohol excessively.
The WHO End TB Strategy aims to reduce the global incidence of TB by 90% and TB deaths by 95% by 2035, compared to 2015 levels.
TB is curable with a combination of antibiotics, but treatment can take several months and requires strict adherence to the medication regimen. Drug-resistant TB is a growing concern, as some strains of TB have become resistant to multiple antibiotics, making treatment more difficult and costly.
The Stop TB Partnership is a global coalition of organizations working to end the global TB epidemic. The Partnership coordinates efforts to accelerate TB research and development, improve access to TB diagnosis and treatment, and address the social and economic determinants of TB.
TB Day events are held around the world to raise awareness
about TB and to call for action to end the TB epidemic. These events may
include rallies, marches, seminars, and educational activities in schools,
workplaces, and communities.
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