World Tuberculosis Day

World Tuberculosis Day, coordinated by the World Health Organization, is globally significant. It is an annual observance bringing awareness to Tuberculosis (TB), a disease which is preventable and curable, but still claims millions of lives every year. The core aim is to advocate for intensified action to end the TB epidemic, focusing on the critical importance of early TB detection and treatment. Stakeholders, such as health organizations and government agencies, use this occasion to provide updated information on the disease, progress made in the prevention and control efforts, and areas needing improvement.

The observance traces its roots back to 1982 when the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease launched World TB Day to mark the 100th anniversary of Dr Robert Koch's discovery of the TB bacillus. South Africa, being one of the countries with the highest TB burdens globally, has a significant role in the fight against the disease. The incidence of TB in South Africa is fuelled by the concurrent HIV epidemic, making strategies to tackle these twin epidemics crucial. Furthermore, multidrug-resistant TB poses a significant challenge to TB control in the country.

In South Africa, World Tuberculosis Day usually features widespread media campaigns, health awareness initiatives, and educational events. Government departments, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, arrange these activities to educate communities and mobilise resources to fight TB. These functions are often held in high TB burden areas. Recognizing the gravity of the TB burden in the country, the South African National TB Association also conducts activities aimed at improving TB control efforts. The observance is held every year on March 24th, aligning with the global timing for World Tuberculosis Day.