Every year on March 24, World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated. This date was created in order to attract public attention to the problem of the disease, increase people's awareness and support measures to combat this infection. In 2026, this day will be held under the slogan"Yes! We can end tuberculosis!”is a bold call to action and a message of hope. Thanks to decisive action by national leaders, increased domestic and international investment, rapid implementation of new WHO recommendations and innovations, and accelerated action, eradicating tuberculosis is not just a dream, it is achievable.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Despite advances in medicine, this disease still remains one of the important and serious problems of the healthcare system around the world. Tuberculosis is the disease with the highest mortality rate. According to WHO data for 2025, about 3,425 people die from it every day (about 1.23 million per year), and about 30,000 people become ill (about 10.7 million per year).
Tuberculosis is common in all countries of the world and can occur in people of any age and social status. Most often, tuberculosis is diagnosed in people of working age. According to WHO, approximately 43% of cases are people aged 25-50 years - the most socially active citizens who could benefit society, family and the state. In 2024, among new cases of the disease, 54% were men, 35% were women, and 11% were children. The source of infection is most often a person suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis. The pathogen is transmitted by airborne droplets. When a patient coughs, sneezes, talks or sings, tiny particles containing mycobacteria enter the air. They can be inhaled by people around you. You can get infected almost anywhere: at home, at work, in transport, in a store, in crowded places. The likelihood of infection increases with prolonged contact with a sick person, especially in enclosed spaces. If treatment is not started,A person with active tuberculosis can infect 10 to 15 people in a year.
It is important to remember that infection and disease are not the same thing!
You should know that not every infected person necessarily gets sick. Statistically, only a small proportion of people develop active disease. For many people, mycobacteria can remain in the body for a long time in an inactive state. This condition is called latent tuberculosis infection. However, when the immune system is weakened, bacteria can become active and cause illness.
The development of tuberculosis can be promoted by:
• smoking
• alcohol abuse
• drug use
• chronic diseases
• HIV – infection, diabetes mellitus
• chronic lung diseases
• taking glucocorticosteroid drugs
• stress and prolonged overwork.
These factors negatively affect the immune system, weakening the body's resistance and increasing the risk of developing the disease.
The main signs of the disease include:
• cough lasting more than 2-3 weeks;
• increased sweating at night;
• chest pain;
• significant weight loss, weight loss;
• presence of blood streaks in sputum;
• periodic increase in temperature;
• feeling of constant fatigue and loss of strength.
In the early stages, tuberculosis can occur with virtually no symptoms, so many people are unaware of the disease.
To reduce the risk of disease it is important:
• lead a healthy lifestyle;
• strengthen the immune system;
• regularly consult a doctor for preventive examinations;
• do fluorography annually;
• do not delay visiting your doctor if symptoms occur.
Tuberculosis is a curable disease, especially if it is detected at an early stage. It is very important to start treatment in a timely manner and strictly adhere to the prescribed course of therapy. Currently, modern diagnostic methods are used to detect the disease in the early stages, and new medications significantly increase the effectiveness of treatment.
To prevent this disease from affecting you and your loved ones, let's fight it together!
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