Context:- World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on 24 March to raise awareness about tuberculosis and encourage timely action to combat the global TB epidemic.World Tuberculosis Day 

An overview of the news

• The theme of the year 2023 is – “Yes! We can end TB!”.
• It aims to urge leaders from around the world to act to stop the TB epidemic. 
• The theme emphasizes the importance of increased funding, rapid action, multi-sectoral collaboration, rapid adoption of new WHO guidelines, and adoption of innovation to eliminate tuberculosis.

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

• It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• The bacteria generally attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
• Tuberculosis infections began increasing in 1985 because of the emergence of HIV.
• HIV weakens a person’s immune system, so it can’t fight the TB germs.

Transmission

• Its bacteria spread from person to person through the air.
• When people with pulmonary (Lung) TB cough, sneeze or spit, they spread TB germs into the air.

Symptoms of TB

• Cough for three or more weeks
• Coughing up bloody sputum
• Chest pain, pain with breathing and coughing
• Weight loss, Fatigue, Fever and Night sweats etc.

Government Initiatives to Combat TB

• National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination (2017-2025)
• NikshayPoshan Yojana (NPY- financial support)
• TB HaregaDeshJeetega Campaign
• Universal ImmunisationProgramme
• The government of India aims to have a TB-free India by 2025.
• Revised National TB Control Program under National Health Mission
• Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 under United Nations SDG target 3.3.
• Every year World TB Day is celebrated on 24 March.
• TB Burden
  Every year one crore people fall ill with TB and 1.5 million people die from TB every year.
• About half of all people with TB are found in eight countries – Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and South Africa.
• It is one of the top 10 leading causes of death worldwide.
• India accounts for 30 percent of the world’s TB cases, the highest in the world, followed by Indonesia and China.