Tuberculosis

World TB Day 2025: AHF Mobilizes To End TB - Yahoo Finance

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LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, observed on March 24, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) teams worldwide join government and civil society partners in calling for more substantial political commitments, increased funding, and expanded access to TB services. AHF teams' World TB Day events will call for action and help raise awareness about TB – the world's deadliest infectious disease, the leading cause of death for people living with HIV, and a major cause of death related to antimicrobial resistance.

"Ending TB is not a question of whether or not it is possible—it is a matter of commitment. We have the tools, the knowledge, and the ability to stop this disease, but progress will only happen if governments prioritize TB as a global health emergency," said AHF Chief of Global Advocacy and Policy Terri Ford. "We must invest in stronger healthcare systems, ensure equitable access to treatment, and break the barriers of stigma and neglect that have allowed TB to persist for far too long. This World TB Day, we reaffirm that the fight against TB is not over, and we call on world leaders to act with urgency and accountability. Lives depend on it."

TB claimed 1.25 million lives in 2023, according to the World Health Organization. While global TB incidence has declined, progress is too slow to meet international targets. An estimated nearly 11 million people fell ill with TB in 2023, with more than 80% of cases and deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. At least $22 billion is needed annually for TB prevention and treatment, yet global funding remains significantly short of this goal. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis remains a public health crisis, with only about two in five people with drug-resistant TB receiving treatment in 2023.

AHF focuses on HIV/TB co-infection care in its clinics and has long prioritized TB prevention, screening, and treatment as part of its global healthcare programs. AHF also advocates for policy changes to make TB drugs and diagnostics more accessible and affordable and engages communities and governments to commit to more vigorous TB control efforts.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a global non-profit organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over 2.3 million people in 48 countries worldwide in Africa, the Americas, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Europe. We are currently the largest non-profit provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the world. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.Aidshealth.Org, find us on Facebook: www.Facebook.Com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare.

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World Tuberculosis Day 2025: Everything About History, Significance ...

World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on March 23. This day is observed to raise public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease. This date commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for TB, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against this deadly disease.

Theme for 2025: 'Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver'

The theme for World TB Day 2025 is "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver." This theme underscores the urgency and collective responsibility in combating TB and highlights three critical actions:​

Commit: Reaffirming global and national commitments to end TB, translating promises into actionable strategies and policies

Invest: Allocating sufficient resources and funding to accelerate TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research efforts.​

Deliver: Implementing effective interventions and ensuring that the benefits reach all affected populations, particularly the most vulnerable.

This theme serves as a powerful call to action, emphasising hope, urgency, and accountability in the global fight against TB.

Significance of World TB Day

Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases. In 2023, it caused an estimated 1.25 million deaths worldwide, surpassing other infectious diseases in mortality. World TB Day serves as a platform to

Raise Awareness: Educate the public about TB's impact, transmission, and prevention strategies.​

Mobilise Political Will: Encourage governments and policymakers to prioritize TB eradication in their agendas.​

Promote Research and Innovation: Highlight the need for new tools, diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines to effectively combat TB.​

Support Affected Communities: Advocate for equitable access to TB care and support services, addressing stigma and discrimination associated with the disease.

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Global Efforts and Challenges

The global fight against TB has seen significant progress, yet challenges persist:​

Drug-Resistant TB: The emergence of multidrug-resistant TB strains complicates treatment and control efforts.​

Funding Gaps: Insufficient funding hampers the implementation of comprehensive TB programs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.​

Healthcare Access: Disparities in healthcare access lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, exacerbating TB transmission and mortality.

World Tuberculosis Day How To Reduce TB Risks - IDiva

Every year, March 24 is observed as World TB Day to amplify the urgency of ending tuberculosis (TB), the world's deadliest infectious disease. TB continues to devastate millions globally, inflicting severe health, social and economic consequences.

This year's theme is "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver". It offers an opportunity to reflect on ongoing efforts and encourage stronger commitment at local, national and international levels to end TB, including by combatting the growing threat of drug-resistant TB.

According to the World Health Organization, we have seen a remarkable decrease in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023, and India has garnered international recognition for its committed efforts to eradicate tuberculosis.

Though it remains a global health challenge, the risk of tuberculosis can be significantly reduced through improved hygiene, vaccinations, early diagnosis, and better public health measures. Here's a list of tips you can follow to reduce your risk.

On World TB Day today, here are some tips to help reduce the risks of tuberculosis.

1. Better ventilation Freepik

TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. So, ensuring good airflow by keeping windows open, using exhaust fans, and avoiding enclosed, crowded areas can significantly reduce exposure to TB bacteria.

2. Pay attention to immunity Freepik

A nutrient-rich diet helps the immune system fight infections, including TB. Consume foods rich in vitamins C and D, zinc, and protein to keep your immune defences strong.

Remember that people with weak immunity are at a higher risk of TB.

3. Get the BCG vaccine Freepik

This helps the immune system recognise and fight the tuberculosis bacteria, reducing the chances of developing active TB.

If you live in or travel to high-risk areas, consult a doctor about your TB vaccination status.

4. Say 'no' to close contact Freepik

If you live with or work around someone with active TB, ensure they receive proper treatment and follow medical guidelines. Regular health check-ups and screenings help detect TB early, preventing its spread to others.

5. Respiratory hygiene Freepik

Cover your mouth and nose with a mask, tissue, or elbow when coughing or sneezing. This prevents the spread of TB bacteria. Also, using N95 masks can provide additional protection against airborne transmission.

6. Early detection is important Freepik

TB symptoms include persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, and fever. If you experience these, seek immediate medical attention.

So, early diagnosis and full completion of prescribed antibiotics are crucial to stop TB from spreading.

7. Reduce exposure to pollution Freepik

People in overcrowded, poorly ventilated settings such as slums, prisons, and refugee camps are at higher risk of TB transmission. If unavoidable, wearing protective masks, maintaining distance, and ensuring sanitation can help lower the risk.

8. Prioritise lung health & exercise Freepik

Physical activity improves lung function and overall immunity. Exercises like brisk walking, yoga, breathing exercises, and swimming help keep the lungs strong and reduce the risk of respiratory infections, including TB.

Also, avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, as they weaken lung defences.

By following these preventive measures, you can lower the risk of TB infection and contribute to the global fight against tuberculosis.

Social and lead image credits: Freepik

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