World TB Day

Why in News?

World TB Day is celebrated every year on 24 March to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB and to accelerate efforts to eliminate TB.
On 24 March in the year 1882, Dr. Robert Koch discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB-causing bacteria), after which the diagnosis of this disease became easier.
The theme of World TB Day 2025 is - Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.
TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (bacteria), and affects the lungs.
Every year 20-25 lakh TB cases are reported in India, and about 4 lakh people die from it.
The global commitment to end TB is 2030.
The target for ending TB in India is 2025.
Lakshadweep (UT) and Budgam district (Jammu & Kashmir) are the first places in India to be declared TB free.

Efforts made by the Government of India to eliminate TB

In September 2019, the Ministry of Health launched the ‘TB Harega, Desh Jeetega’ campaign along with the National TB Prevalence Survey.

This programme was formerly known as the National Tuberculosis Control Programme. It aims to strategically reduce the burden of TB (tuberculosis) in India by 2025.
In the year 2020, the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme was renamed as National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme.

As part of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, TB patients can be adopted by individuals or institutions.
These people and institutions engaged in community support will be called 'Nikshay Mitras'.
Nikshay Mitra initiative has also been launched under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. Its main objective is to ensure additional clinical, nutritional and vocational support in the treatment of TB.