Every year March 24 is commemorated as "World Tuberculosis Day" to spread awareness about this fatal disease and to set up efforts to end the global epidemic.
On this date in 1882, Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.
Theme 2018: "Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free world"
On this date in 1882, Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.
Theme 2018: "Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free world"
- The theme of this year aims at building commitment to end TB, not only at the political level but at all levels from Mayors, Governors, parliamentarians and community leaders, to people affected with TB, civil society advocates, health workers, doctors or nurses, NGOs and other partners. All can be leaders of efforts to end TB in their own work or terrain
- World TB Day provides the opportunity to shine the spotlight on the disease and mobilize political and social commitment for accelerate progress to end TB.
Background
- In 1982, on the one-hundredth anniversary of Robert Koch's presentation, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) proposed that 24 March be proclaimed an official World TB Day.
- In 1995, WHO and the Royal Netherlands Tuberculosis Foundation (KNCV) hosted the first World TB Day advocacy planning meeting in Den Haag, Netherlands; an event they would continue co-sponsor over the next few years.
Expected Questions
When is World Tuberculosis Day observed?
a. 07 July
b. 16 November
c. 23 August
d. 24 March
Who among the following discovered the bacterium that causes TB?
a. Dr. Melvin Francis
b. Dr Robert Koch
c. Dr. Gillian Gibbs
d. Dr. Paul Edwards
