HSCL AND ACE3 PARTNERS JOIN THE REST OF THE WORLD IN CELEBRATING THE 2024 WORLD TB DAY

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. With its ability to spread in the air through infected droplets, TB remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, claiming 1.3 million lives in 2022 alone .

While the lungs are the most affected organs, TB can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective TB management as the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of rapid molecular diagnostic tests, as initial diagnostic tools for individuals presenting signs and symptoms of TB.

The World TB Day serves as a critical platform for raising awareness, advocating for action, and mobilising resources to combat tuberculosis globally. World TB Day, which was globally celebrated on Sunday, March 24, 2024, with the theme for this year been "Yes! We can end TB.", serves as a reminder of the ongoing global campaign against TB. It provides an opportunity to amplify awareness, garner support, and mobilize action in the fight against TB. Through sustained efforts and advocacy, the ultimate goal is to eliminate this formidable threat to public health globally.

To mark the 2024 celebration, HSCL and her partners across the 3 ACE3 project implementation states, rolled out activities including community sensitization outreaches, free TB, HIV and Malaria testing. Highpoints of the celebration included a press conferences and media appearances by the TB campaign teams, and presentation of award of excellence to some distinguished health workers in the project states.