World Tuberculosis Day (WTBD) is a special day we celebrate on March 24th each year. It’s like a big reminder to everyone around the world about a sickness called tuberculosis (TB). TB is something we can cure and prevent, but it’s still causing a lot of problems all over the world. Especially if it’s lung and throat tuberculosis. Read the most recent obituaries to find those who lost their battle to TB. So, let’s talk about why this day is important and what we can do about it.
Why Do We Celebrate World Tuberculosis Day?
Since 1982, the world celebrates TB Day to teach people all over the world about the bacteria that causes TB. This day aims to discuss the possible cures of TB too. Every year, there are many events that aim inform people about TB and how we can stop it for good. Due to WTBD, there are special themes each year that help us to focus on what’s important.
Themes over the Years
There have been many themes since the past five years. Such as “Invest to End TB. Save Lives” and “The Clock is Ticking”. These themes are like short messages that call for action. Moreover it urges us to work together to stop TB from spreading.
Significance of World Tuberculosis Day (WTBD)
TB is still making a lot of people sick and suffer. As well as even causing some to lose their lives to this ruthless disease. Every day, over 4,400 people die because of TB, and 30,000 get sick by the day. However, since 2000, cure and awareness have saved around 74 million lives. However, things like COVID-19 and problems in different parts of the world make it difficult. Problems related to declining health and immune systems are making it harder to fight TB.
How Can We Stop TB?
People with TB can spread it to others, especially when they cough as germs travel through the air. So, it’s important for them to stay away from others or at least use a mask. That is until they are not contagious and fully cured. Furthermore, we should stay careful when around people with TB. A handful of clear signs of TB include coughing for a long time, coughing with blood, and chest pain. Other signs include losing weight without trying, feeling tired, having a fever, sweating a lot at night, and shivering.
WTBD 2023 Theme
Last year’s theme was a significant one, “Yes! We can end TB!”. It was and still is like a big cheer to raise awareness and work together to stop TB for good. Not just in 2023, but every year World Health Organization (WHO) recommends smart ideas to fight TB. This not only raises awareness, but also urges people to take action.
WTBD 2024 Theme: “Yes! We Can End TB” Continues!
This year has the same theme and people are still saying, “Yes! We can end TB!”. With every passing year, it is a proud moment to see how far we have come. We want everyone, like leaders, helpers, and even regular people like us, to do something to help end TB. We set the goal through WTBD to try and end TB by the year 2030. This goal is only possible if we join hands and actively work to end TB.
How Can Kids Help?
Even kids can do something to help! They can learn about TB, tell their friends and family, and make sure everyone knows what to do. For this, you need to tell them ways to prevent this cruel disease from taking over our bodies. A few tips would be to wash hands frequently and cover your mouth when you cough. If someone is sick and facing the symptoms of TB then they should go to the doctor immediately. Informing people around you is you being a superhero against TB!
Creating Awareness at School
On this WTBD, teachers can play a big role too! They can talk to students about TB and teach them how to stay healthy. Teachers play an important role so they should encourage them to share what they learn with their families. Schools can organize special activities on World TB Day to spread awareness. This can include health camps, group discussions, and plays. All this helps students learn more about this disease and helps them fight against it.
Community Action
In our communities, we can organize events for WTBD. Such as walks, talks, or even art exhibitions to share information about TB. When everyone in the community knows about TB, we can support each other to stay healthy. This is especially important when we have community members suffering from TB. By being together, we make sure that we contain the disease and help them recover. This also helps the community understand what to do when there’s a patient between us. Another way to play your part in the community is to stand with those who lost their beloved to TB. Visit the Obituary App today to know the people who lost their battle to TB from your area.
Why Is TB a Big Problem?
TB is a big problem because it can become stronger over time. Moreover, it is not easy to cure with medicine as it needs a heavy intake of antibiotics. This is also famous as drug resistance. It happens when we don’t find out about TB at early stages or don’t treat it properly. TB affects lots of people in different parts of the world every year, commonly in Europe, India, and Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
On World TB Day 2024, let’s all be heroes and say, “Yes! We Can End TB!”. To stay cautious we can do little things every day to help. So, let’s begin by washing our hands, covering our mouths, and being smart about TB. Together, we can make a big difference and stop TB from spreading.
