World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated worldwide on Friday, March 24, to emphasize the importance of stepping up efforts to embrace testing, raise awareness of the dynamics of tuberculosis, and understand the status of this killer disease. This year’s theme for World TB Day is Yes! #YesWeCanEndTB
Although the disease is curable and preventable, it is the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 (above HIV/AIDS).
In the latest TB study, 2021, an estimated 10.6 million people—6 million men, 3.4 million women, and 1.2 million children—fell ill from TB.
Tuberculosis is spread from one person to another through airborne particles called droplet nuclei. A person exposed to TB cannot directly affect others with the disease, but one actively with TB can spread the TB bacteria to others.
According to TB tests are two; a blood test and a skin test. It is the responsibility of healthcare personnel to choose the type of test to use.
After testing, it could be detected, either as a positive or negative skin test. It is positive when the TB bacteria is detected and negative when the bacteria is not detected.
Therefore, treatment with the person with a positive skin test is done by doing more tests to determine if one has TB infection or TB disease.
How to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day
Create Awareness
Spread the word about the disease’s existence. Many people have no idea they might be infected with TB, which unfortunately may be dormant, lying in their bodies with zero symptoms.
In addition, sharing with the public about the day’s existence is essential. This will help individuals to read more and even prepare to be part of upcoming events about TB.
Go for testing
This is to help turn TB elimination into a reality. TB, like other diseases, is often assumed in terms of being tested. On this day, going for testing will help one understand whether they have TB. Therefore, this will open up a space for the next step of taking care of oneself: prevention and care.
Support through donations and volunteers
Donations and volunteering are great ways to ensure that people affected by TB have a day full of love and care. Volunteering events on that day help ensure donor relations and support for those organizations.
During this season, let us make an effort to create awareness of the existence of tuberculosis disease, think through it, and go for testing to eradicate tuberculosis in our daily lives.
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