World TB Day 2025, Theme, Significance, India’s TB Control Campaign

World TB Day, also known as Tuberculosis (TB) Day, is observed every year on March 24 to raise awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease. TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, affecting millions despite being preventable and curable. World TB Day 2025 holds special importance as countries, including India, accelerate their TB elimination programs.

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World TB Day 2025 Overview

Despite medical advancements, TB remains a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. World TB Day 2025 is being observed globally to highlight ongoing efforts to eradicate TB and to urge policymakers to increase investments in TB prevention and treatment.

World TB Day 2025 Theme

The theme for World TB Day 2025 is "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,". It stresses the importance of ongoing commitment, financial support, and efficient action to combat tuberculosis. World TB Day 2025 theme aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to eliminate TB by 2030 and calls for urgent efforts to prevent, diagnose, treat, and care for those affected by TB.

Image Credit: WHO

History of World TB Day

World TB Day marks the anniversary of the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for TB, by Dr. Robert Koch on March 24, 1882. His groundbreaking discovery enabled the development of diagnostic tools and treatments, significantly improving TB control efforts worldwide.

In 1982, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) proposed March 24 as World TB Day to mark the 100th anniversary of Koch's discovery. Later, World TB Day was officially established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about TB and promote global action.

Since its inception, the day has been used to highlight various challenges in TB control and mobilize resources for eradication efforts.

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What is TB Disease?

TB full form is Tuberculosis (TB), it is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs but can also spread to other organs such as pleura, lymph nodes, intestines, spine, and brain. TB is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of TB include:

• Persistent cough lasting more than 2 weeks.

• Chest pain and difficulty breathing.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Night sweats and fever.

• Fatigue and weakness.

TB can be latent (inactive) or active, with active TB requiring immediate treatment to prevent transmission.

TB Cases in India

India accounts for nearly 27% of the world’s TB cases, making it the country with the highest TB burden globally. According to India TB Report 2024, the mortality rate is around 3.2 lakh. Between 2015 and 2023, the incidence of TB declined by 17.7%, more than double the global average decline of 8.3%. During the same period, the TB mortality rate also decreased by 18%, reflecting significant progress as the challenge of TB remains.

TB Elimination Program in India

India has set an ambitious target of “End TB by 2025”, five years ahead of the global target (2030). To achieve this, the government has launched:

• National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP): A comprehensive initiative to combat tuberculosis. It conducted around 1.89 crore sputum smear tests and 68.3 lakh nucleic acid amplification tests, improving access to TB diagnosis in 2023.

• Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Aims to strengthen community involvement in TB elimination efforts

• BPaLM Regimen for MDR-TB: New treatment for multidrug-resistant TB with a combination of Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, and Moxifloxacin.

• Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana: Monthly financial aid for TB patients increased from ₹500 to ₹1,000 in October 2024 for nutritional support.

• Ni-kshay Mitra Scheme Expansion: Expanded to provide nutritional support to TB patients and their family members.

• NI-KSHAY Portal: A digital system to track TB cases, treatment progress, and provide patient support under NTEP.

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TB Control Campaign

To strengthen awareness and encourage early diagnosis, India has launched the ‘100-Day TB Elimination Campaign or 100-Day TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’. This campaign aims to intensify efforts to detect and treat missing TB cases, especially in high-risk groups, and reduce TB deaths significantly across 347 districts. Under this campaign, Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) are used to confirm positive X-ray results.

Significance of World TB Day 2025

World TB Day 2025 is crucial in reinforcing global and national commitments to eliminate TB. The day highlights:

• The importance of investments in TB research and healthcare.

• The need for early diagnosis and treatment adherence.

• The role of government policies and international cooperation in TB elimination.

• Efforts to reduce the stigma and misinformation about TB.

India's active participation in TB elimination programs aligns with the global End TB Strategy, ensuring better health outcomes for millions.

In summary, World TB Day 2025 serves as a powerful reminder of the fight against TB and the urgent need for investment in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. India's ambitious goal of eliminating TB by 2025 is achievable through sustained efforts and community participation.

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