The world TB day, 24th March was marked in the year 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch discovered the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes TB. Since 1882, world TB day on 24th March is celebrated to raise public awareness about the devastating consequences of tuberculosis. WHO and the Stop TB Partnership come together and start a campaign for World TB Day 2018, “Wanted: Leaders for a TB Free World. Make History. End TB.” Tuberculosis is one of the top ten infectious diseases which kill 4500 lives every day globally. This campaign is set to educate each and every person about TB around the world and also to encourage the government to take proper action to end TB. We all can join the global movement and can make history by ending TB.
Tuberculosis Facts
- 10.4 million New TB cases found in 2016 worldwide and 1.7 died from the disease.
- 95% TB cases happen in low and middle income countries. India leads among the seven countries with 64% of TB cases around the world. Another six countries are Indonesia, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, and South Africa.
- Among 10.4 million TB cases, 1 million were children and 2, 50,000 died in 2016.
- HIV positive patients are mostly affected by TB and 40% of HIV patients died in 2016 due to TB.
- WHO and the Stop TB Partnership show their commitment towards ending TB by 2030.
- It is observed that 53 million patients were saved from TB by giving them proper diagnosis and treatment in between the year 2000 to 2016.
- It is estimated by WHO that only 2% of annual decline of TB cases globally. It should be increased by 4-5 % annual decline to reach the goal by 2030.
- Tuberculosis mainly affects the lungs and it is contaminated from person to person through the air.
- There are two types of TB: Latent TB and Active TB. Latent TB can be cured with antibiotics and for active TB doctors prescribe multiple medicines.
- Tuberculosis can be prevented. If active TB patients get proper TB treatment, then TB will not be infectious and so others cannot get infected easily. To prevent TB vaccinate your children with BCG injections and adults is not recommended for this vaccination.
World TB Day – Strategy to End TB
WHO End TB Strategy is:
- To reduce TB deaths by 95%
- To cut new cases of TB by 90% between 2015 and 2035
- To ensure that no family is burdened with catastrophic expenses due to TB
- Integrate patient-centered care and prevention
- Bold policies and supportive systems
- Intensify research and innovation
The above strategy can be successful when a country will implement the below points accompanying with the above strategy:
- Government has to take the leadership and should observe and assess the result with full responsibility
- Government should collaborate with civil society organizations and communities
- Assurance and advancement of human rights, morals and value
- Government should adjust the strategy and put forward the targets at national level, with worldwide joint effort.
