Kashmir , March 24, 2025- March 24, 2025, marks World TB Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about tuberculosis (TB), the world’s deadliest infectious disease. Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB primarily attacks the lungs but can affect other parts of the body, claiming approximately 1.4 million lives annually. This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” serves as a rallying cry for governments, healthcare professionals, and communities to unite in the fight to eradicate TB by 2030, a target aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The urgency of this mission is clear. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB continues to devastate millions, particularly in underserved regions, due to insufficient funding, limited access to diagnostics, and delays in treatment. Experts estimate that an additional $6.2 billion per year could nearly eliminate TB by 2030, saving 27 million lives by 2050. This investment promises a remarkable return, delivering $46 in social good for every dollar spent, according to peer-reviewed research.
Today, organisations like the LaSalle County Health Department in the U.S. are commemorating the 143rd anniversary of Robert Koch’s discovery of the TB bacillus in 1882, a breakthrough that transformed our understanding of the disease. Events worldwide, including online discussions hosted by groups like TBAC and EndoMetabPub, emphasise the need for commitment to innovative research, increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, and swift delivery of solutions to those most affected.