|
|
March 24 -World TB Day
March 24 is marked as the World Tuberculosis Day. On this day in 1882, Dr Robert Koch had detected the cause of tuberculosis, the TB bacillus. This was huge step forward for medical science. Dr Koch’s finding was instrumental in diagnosing and curing tuberculosis. By no means, it was a small achievement as world at that time was really struggling with onslaught of TB. The World Health Organization (WHO), United Nation’s Health Authority, duly declared March 24 as World TB Day.
WHO has aimed to cut tuberculosis prevalence rates and deaths by half by the year 2015. It is believed that a third of the world’s population is infected with M tuberculosis. New infections are occurring at rapid pace and much needed to be done if we have to completely get rid of this menace. The aim of World TB Day is to raise awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and efforts to eliminate the disease. There is a network of countries and organizations known as the Stop TB Partnership. The network observes March 24 to highlight the scope of the disease and efforts made to prevent and cure it.
Though, despite the progress made by WHO in curing TB, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross, efforts are not yet sufficient. Higher authorities need to take extra efforts if we have to harbor any hope of stopping the deadly disease. The situation is really grim but adequate steps can really help us in reducing the number of TB patients by half in coming five years.
On this day, health agencies arrange community discussion groups to look at ways to prevent TB. To increase the worldwide awareness of TB, photo exhibitions are sponsored at major health centers. Services of print, electronic and online media are hired by the government agencies and community groups to promote awareness and methods to counter tuberculosis. Various charity events are also arranged to raise funds for TB control.
|
|
