World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on March 24. The day is observed in order to raise awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis. This is also to strengthen the efforts made to eliminate it. It provides recognition to health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and advocates in the fight against TB.
“Yes! We can end TB!” – that is the theme for World TB Day 2024 is the same as previous year: and aims to highlight the importance of increased funding, quick action, multispectral cooperation, rapid adoption of new WHO guidelines, and innovative adoption in eradicating TB. World Tuberculosis Day commemorates the day when Dr. Robert Koch discovered the tuberculosis-causing bacteria in 1882. The CDC estimates that TB has been in existence for over three million years, and it has had several names throughout history depending on where it was found.
India’s ‘Ni-kshay Mitra’ campaign urges people to join the campaign of TB-free India, and more than 10 lakh TB patients have been adopted by citizens. Indian children as young as 10-12 years old are also taking the fight against TB forward by becoming Ni-kshay Mitra.