World TB Day March 24th

24 March is World TB Day.

It marks the date when the bacteria that causes tuberculosis was discovered by a German doctor back in 1882. On World TB Day, WHO calls on young people and adolescents to:

• Advocate for investment of resources, support, care and information to win the fight against TB.
• Sensitize young people, encourage them to become TB advocates.
• Support TB patients in the community with resources and advice.

And everyone to:

• Educate yourself on TB causes, symptoms and prevention.
• If you think you are affected with TB, get tested, get treated and follow the advice of your health care provider
• Don’t believe in myths or misinformation 
• Stand up against TB stigma and discrimination

We have a particular interest in how TB impacts children and it is a much bigger problem than people think. Tuberculosis can affect children indirectly as globally it kills around 1.5 million people each year, leaving millions of children orphaned and in increasing poverty because sick adults can’t provide for their families. It’s also a major cause of infertility in women and can increase the likelihood of complications in pregnancy and low-weight births.

One way that children can help is by being aware of how germs spread by coughing. They can make sure that they ‘cover their cough’ and help others do the same – especially young children they are with. We appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic has taught all of us to be more careful with our coughs!

After a cough or a sneeze, children can make sure that they wash their hands properly – with soap and that they dispose of any cloths or papers used to ‘catch their cough’ safely.

• Read our 10 messages on Coughs & Colds for children to learn and share with activities to help them understand.
• Read our 10 messages on Water, Sanitation & Hygiene!
• Find out more from WHO.
• World TB Day from Stop TB.

Some Facts About TB

Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lungs. It is spread by people with TB when they cough or sneeze.

In healthy people, infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis doesn’t make them ill because their body makes enough antibodies quickly enough to stop the bacteria. When a child is weak or has been ill or has another disease like HIV then TB can make them very ill.