world Tuberculosis day (24 March) History, Significance, Theme and Observation

world Tuberculosis Day Quick Facts

world Tuberculosis Day Brief

Every year, we celebrate World TB Day on 24 March. This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

world Tuberculosis Day History

World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated on 24 March on the birth anniversary of Dr. Robert Koch, who discovered Tuberculosis Bacillus in the year 1982.

world Tuberculosis Day Objective

The purpose of celebrating this day is to increase awareness of Tuberculosis / TB / Tuberculosis in the world. This day emphasizes on finding solutions to end the disease. The significance of this day is to accelerate and change the phase of global efforts to completely eliminate TB.

More info about world Tuberculosis Day

What is Tuberculosis or TB?

Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium Tuberculosis) i.e. TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. This bacterium enters all parts of the body. However, it is mostly found in the lungs. But apart from this, the intestines, Brain, Bones, Joints, Kidneys, Skin and heart can also suffer from Tuberculosis.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9 million people contracted tuberculosis in 2013, out of which 1.5 million died. In India, about 20 lakh people are victims of this disease.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB):

• Cough for more than three weeks
• Fever (which increases especially in the evening)
• Severe chest pain
• Sudden loss of weight
• Loss of appetite
• Blood with mucus
• Severe lung infection
• Shortness of breath

How is Tuberculosis (TB) transmitted?

The phlegm, sneezing, coughing, spitting and exhaling breath of tuberculosis-infected patients spread bacteria into the air, which can remain in the air for several hours. Due to this, even a healthy person can easily become a victim of Tuberculosis (TB). However, tuberculosis does not spread by touching or shaking hands with an infected person.

When tuberculosis bacteria reach the lungs through inhalation, it multiplies and causes damage to the lungs. Although the body's immunity prevents it from growing, but as the body's immunity weakens, the risk of infection with tuberculosis increases.

Methods of testing for Tuberculosis (TB):

There are many ways to test for tuberculosis (TB), such as chest X-ray, sputum test, skin test, etc. Apart from this, TB can also be detected by testing IgM hemoglobin through modern technology. The good thing is that the investigation related to this is done free of cost by the government.

Ways to avoid Tuberculosis (TB):

• If a cough lasts for more than two weeks, see a doctor.
• Keep distance from sick person.
• If someone around you is coughing for a long time, stay away from them.
• If you are going to meet or coming together with a sick person, then definitely wash your hands.
• Take a nutritious diet that contains adequate amount of vitamins, minerals, calcium, protein and fiber as nutritious food strengthens our immune system.
• If you have been coughing for a long time, then definitely get the sputum tested.

Important Days of March Month - (National Days and International Days):