World TB Day 2025: Save Lives, Secure Future

World Tuberculosis Day is held every year on 24th March, to raise the urgency of ending tuberculosis- the world’s deadliest infectious disease. Infecting various health, social, and economic consequences, TB continues to destroy millions globally. The date symbolized the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced he had located the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing the disease. World TB Day is a day to educate individuals about the effects of TB around the globe. Tuberculosis is a likely serious infectious disease that mostly affects the lungs.

The  bacteria causing tuberculosis are spread from individual to individual through small droplets released into the air via sneezes and coughs. Each day, almost 4100 people die with TB and close to 28,000 people fall ill with this curable disease. On World TB Day 2025, Dr. Sheetu Singh, an expert pulmonologist, plays a crucial role in guiding the fight and increasing awareness against tuberculosis. She highlights the benefits of preventive measures, early detection, and advanced treatment to battle TB effectively.

To achieve a TB-free world, Dr. Sheetu Singh recommends community engagement, increased healthcare access, and creativity in TB care. Her commitment to public health education and patient care makes her a trusted voice in pulmonology, stimulating collective action to eliminate TB and build a healthier future.

Cough Specialist, Chest Specialist, Sleep Apnea Specialist, Asthma Specialist, Lung Specialist

The 2025 Theme for World Tuberculosis Day

The 2025 theme for World Tuberculosis Day is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”.

History of World Tuberculosis Day

Dr. Robert Koch announced the recognition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on 24th March 1882, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. During this time, living in the United States, and Europe, TB killed one out of every seven people in the whole world. The most crucial step taken by Dr. Koch’s discovery towards the control and elimination of this deadly disease. A century later, 24th  March was selected as World TB Day to educate the public about the effects of TB around the world.

World Tuberculosis Day Significance 

As a part of the Global Plan to Stop TB, The World Health Organization progresses the stop TB strategy. For better control, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis, these campaigns are designed to increase worldwide awareness. From the year 2000, the TB prohibiting and awareness treatment initiatives have enhanced the lives of 63 million people globally.

How Antibiotic Resistance is Making TB Harder to Treat

The bacterial infection that most commonly affects the lungs disease is tuberculosis. TB disease spreads via the air by sneezing, spitting, and coughing. According to research, it is believed that in the world around one-fourth of the population has been infected with tuberculosis. In the world, tuberculosis is synonymous with the development of drug resistance. Delays in diagnostic confirmations and insufficient therapy are the primary causes of drug resistance’s enhanced severity and mortality as well as its risk for transmission and development.

The global population of tuberculosis patients suffering from TB disease is 170 crores, of which 58.7 crore live in South East Assa, despite TB affecting low and middle-income nations extremely. Every year more than 4000 individual Europeans die from the illness. In India, around 25,90,000 people suffer from tuberculosis, which means every 188 individuals of one lakh Indian population is infected.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis 

Especially during a cough, a person suffering from tuberculosis transfers it through the air. As a result, physicians recommend people with active tuberculosis to stay at home and away from other people as much as possible until they are no longer communicable. Below are the following common symptoms of TB to identify:

• Chest pain, or pain during coughing or breathing.
• Coughing for three or more than three weeks.
• Unintentional weight loss.
• Coughing is associated with mucus or blood.
• Night sweats (heavy sweating during sleep)
• Chills (heavy shivering).
• Fever (usually in 60-85% of patients).
• Fatigue (generalized weakness).

Preventive Tips for Tuberculosis (TB)

Preventing tuberculosis begins with vaccination, early detection, and maintaining good hygiene. Against serious TB in children and kids, the BCG vaccine assists in protecting. Wearing masks, ensuring proper ventilation, and avoiding crowded places can diminish the risk of airborne transmission. While sneezing or coughing, individuals with TB should cover their mouths and complete their full course of medication to prevent drug-resistant TB. A strong immune system, by regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and a healthy lifestyle, also plays a key role in TB prevention. Timely medication intervention and spreading awareness are necessary to control TB successfully. Below are some tips for stopping TB infection:

• Vaccination.
• Treatment Adherence.
• Avoiding Close Contact.
• Screening and Early Diagnosis.
• Treatment and Latent TB.
• Infection Control Measures.
• Promoting Healthy Immune System.
• Addressing Social Determinants.

FAQs

What do you mean by TB Day, and why is it observed?

World TB Day is held on 14th March every year to enhance awareness about tuberculosis and motivate efforts to terminate the disease. The day marks the recognition of the TB-causing bacteria by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882.

What is the 2025 theme for World TB Day?

The 2025 theme for World Tuberculosis Day is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”.

What causes tuberculosis?

TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which affects the lungs but can also affect the lungs but can also impact other body parts. It spreads through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

How can TB be prevented?

TB can be prevented by getting the BCG vaccine, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, maintaining good hygiene, ensuring proper ventilation, and leading a healthy lifestyle to boost immunity.

How is TB diagnosed?

TB is diagnosed through chest X-rays, blood tests, and skin tests. Early diagnosis is key to preventing its spread.