WORLD TUBERCULOSIS (TB) DAY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness about the deadly disease, with recent efforts focusing on its prevention and treatment.

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day

• Background: March 24, 1882, marks the pivotal discovery by Dr. Robert Koch of the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis, a milestone in the fight against the disease.
• Significance of World TB Day: It is celebrated annually on March 24th to commemorate Dr. Koch's discovery and to raise awareness about tuberculosis globally.
• Initiation of World TB Day: The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) proposed the observance of March 24 as World TB Day in 1982, coinciding with the centenary of Dr. Koch's groundbreaking finding.
• 2024 Theme: “Yes! We can end TB,”.

Tuberculosis (TB)

• About: It is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs and is caused by a type of bacteria. 
• Transmission: It spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.

oTuberculosis is preventable and curable.

• Symptoms: prolonged cough (sometimes with blood), chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
• TB status:

oA total of 1.3 million people died from TB in 2022 (including 167 000 people with HIV). 

oWorldwide, TB is the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 (above HIV and AIDS).

oIn 2022, an estimated 10.6 million people fell ill with tuberculosis (TB) worldwide, including 5.8 million men, 3.5 million women and 1.3 million children. 

oTB is present in all countries and age groups. TB is curable and preventable.

oIndia accounted for the highest number of TB cases in the world in 2022, with 2.8 million TB cases, representing 27% of the global burden.