Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and curable infectious killer after COVID-19 caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. This bacterium usually affects the lungs, but it can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine and brain as well. Tuberculosis is spread through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.

TB is an opportunistic infection since it is severe in people with weakened immune systems. As a result, for people with HIV/ AIDS, the risk of suffering from TB is high. Owing to the fact of increased travel and migration together with the spread of HIV/ AIDS, the disease has been attacking globally. 1/4th of the global population is estimated to have been infected with TB. Thus, the need to educate people about the impact of Tuberculosis around the world arose

Consequently, in 1982, World Tuberculosis Day was declared on the 24th of March. But why the 24th of March? It was the day in 1882 when the German physician and bacteriologist Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of “Mycobacterium Tuberculosis”, which was the root cause of this deadly disease.

On this day, various events are organized to provide knowledge on how to prevent Tuberculosis. This year World TB Day is organized with the theme, “Yes! We can end TB”. As a measure of preventing TB globally, the World Health Organization is to increase the investment in order to enlarge the access for countries to TB preventive treatments.

In certain countries including Sri Lanka, the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is given to babies or small children to prevent TB. Further, good ventilation, natural light (UV light can kill TB), and good hygiene are capable of preventing TB. Out of all the safeguarding measures from TB, the finest option is to have a healthy immune system since it can completely kill the TB bacteria.
All in all, it’s high time to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. “Yes! We can end TB”.