World Tuberculosis Day: Know Its History

New Delhi: World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on March 24th to raise awareness about the disease and encourage timely action to combat the global TB epidemic.

World Tuberculosis Day 2023: History

World Tuberculosis Day has been observed annually on March 24th since 1982, commemorating the date when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of tuberculosis (TB) bacterium in 1882. Koch’s discovery paved the way for diagnosing and treating TB, which had been a major cause of illness and death in Europe at the time.

In 1982, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) and the World Health Organization (WHO) established World TB Day to raise public awareness about the global epidemic of TB and the efforts needed to control and eliminate the disease.

Since then, World TB Day has been observed every year, with a different theme to highlight a specific aspect of TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. The day provides an opportunity for organizations and individuals around the world to come together and raise awareness about TB and to advocate for increased funding, research, and action to eliminate the disease.