World Tuberculosis Day 2023: Every year on March 24th, World Tuberculosis Day is observed to raise awareness about the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic and efforts to eradicate the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to end the TB epidemic by 2030. The organization works with governments, non-governmental organizations, and other partners to increase access to TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and to develop new tools and strategies for TB control. On World Tuberculosis Day, organisations and individuals all over the world hold events and activities to raise awareness about tuberculosis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment, as well as to promote efforts to eradicate the disease. The day provides an opportunity for people to come together and take action to help end the TB epidemic.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
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.
World Tuberculosis Day 2023: History
Since 1982, March 24th has been observed as World Tuberculosis Day, commemorating the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the tuberculosis (TB) bacterium. Koch’s discovery paved the way for diagnosing and treating TB, which had been a major cause of illness and death in Europe at the time.
In 1982, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) and the World Health Organization (WHO) established World TB Day to raise public awareness about the global epidemic of TB and the efforts needed to control and eliminate the disease.
Since then, World TB Day has been observed every year, with a different theme to highlight a specific aspect of TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. The day allows organisations and individuals all over the world to come together to raise awareness about tuberculosis and advocate for increased funding, research, and action to eradicate the disease.
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It most commonly affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, the bacteria are inhaled by another person. Symptoms of TB include persistent coughing, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. However, not everyone with TB experiences symptoms, and some people may not develop symptoms until the disease is advanced.
TB can be treated with antibiotics, but the treatment can take several months, and it requires a combination of drugs. Treatment is essential to cure the disease, prevent the spread of TB to others, and prevent drug-resistant TB from developing. TB is a significant global health concern, with millions of new cases and deaths each year, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
