World TB Day 2025: Theme, Significance, and Key Facts

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed annually on March 24 to raise awareness about tuberculosis, one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally. TB causes severe health, social, and economic consequences, making it a major public health concern. The theme for World TB Day 2025 is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”, emphasizing the need for stronger commitment, increased investment, and effective delivery of TB elimination strategies.

Key Highlights of World TB Day 2025

• Date Observed: March 24 (every year).
• Theme 2025: “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”
• Focus on commitment from governments and stakeholders.
• Increased investment to strengthen TB prevention and treatment.
• Effective delivery of TB control programs.

History of the Day

• Origin: Observed annually on March 24 to commemorate a major scientific breakthrough.
• Discovery: On March 24, 1882, Dr. Robert Koch discovered the tuberculosis (TB) bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Impact of Discovery

• Led to the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of TB.
• Marked a turning point in the fight against TB.
• Official Recognition: The World Health Organization (WHO) and partner organizations designated this day to raise awareness and mobilize global efforts against TB.

Purpose

• Educate people about TB prevention and treatment.
• Encourage governments, healthcare institutions, and communities to commit to eliminating TB.
• Highlight the global burden of TB and the urgent need for effective strategies.

Why It Matters

• TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease.
• The decline in international funding threatens global TB elimination targets (End TB by 2030).
• Rising cases of drug-resistant TB pose significant challenges.

About Tuberculosis

• Cause: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (primarily affects lungs).
• Transmission: Airborne (spread through coughing, sneezing, or spitting).
• Prevention: Vaccination (BCG), early detection, and treatment.
• Cure: TB is curable with proper medication and treatment.

Global and Regional Impact

• In 2023, over 170,000 TB cases were reported in the WHO European Region.

Europe accounts for,

• 2.1% of the global TB burden.
• 21% of multidrug-resistant TB cases.
• 37% of pre-extensively drug-resistant TB cases.
• WHO and ECDC will host a webinar on March 19, 2025, to discuss the 2025 TB Surveillance Report for Europe.