World TB Day

World TB Day is observed each year on March 24 to commemorate the date in 1882 when Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). Worldwide, TB remains one of the leading causes of death from infectious disease. An estimated 2 billion persons (i.e., one third of the world's population) are infected with M. tuberculosis. In 2005, approximately 8.8 million persons became ill from TB, and 1.6 million died from the disease. World TB Day provides an opportunity for TB programs, nongovernmental organizations, and other partners to describe problems and solutions related to the TB pandemic and to support worldwide TB-control efforts.

We encourage you to plan and become involved in World TB Day activities in your community.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - World TB Day
American Thoracic Society
American Lung Association
Southeastern National Tuberculosis Center
New Jersey Medical School Global Tuberculosis Institute
Heartland National Tuberculosis Center
Francis J. Curry National Tuberculosis Center