• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

WORLD Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24 every year across the world. It is a special day that is observed with the aim to raise awareness about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and preventive measures to curb the spread of this deadly disease. It marks the day in 1882 when the bacterium causing Tuberculosis was discovered.

The theme of World Tuberculosis Day is ‘Yes! We can end TB!’ this year. On this subject, leaders from around the world are urged to act to stop the TB epidemic. This theme's major goal is to highlight the necessity of increased funding, quick action, multisectoral cooperation, rapid adoption of new WHO guidelines, and innovative adoption in order to eradicate tuberculosis. As awareness and education regarding this disease are quite crucial, to mark this important day, we bring you some must-know facts about Tuberculosis disease, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Facts About Tuberculosis That You Must Know

1. About one-quarter of the world’s population is infected with tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. Only a small proportion of those infected will become sick with TB.

2. People with weakened immune systems have a much greater risk of falling ill from TB. A person living with HIV is about 20 times more likely to develop active TB.

3. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TB germs are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. These germs can stay in the air for several hours, depending on the environment.

4. A person with latent TB infection cannot spread germs to other people. You do not need to be tested if you have spent time with someone with a latent TB infection. However, if you have spent time with someone with TB disease or someone with symptoms of TB, you should be tested.

5. A total of 1.6 million people died from TB in 2021. Worldwide, Tuberculosis is the 13th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19.

6. An estimated 66 million lives were saved through TB diagnosis and treatment between 2000 and 2020.

7. By 2022, US 13 billion dollars is needed annually for TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care to achieve the global target agreed upon at the UN high-level meeting on TB in 2018.

8. People infected with TB bacteria have a 5 - 10 per cent lifetime risk of falling ill with TB. Those with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes, or people who use tobacco, have a higher risk of falling ill.

9. Tuberculosis mostly affects adults in their most productive years. However, all age groups are at risk. Over 80% of cases and deaths are in low- and middle-income countries.