March 24 is World Tuberculosis Day. The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District TB Clinic were observing systems “World TB Day” yesterday, 24 March 2009. European Commission research funding has supported research in this vital disease for many years.
This year’s slogan for the day is “I’m stopping TB.” On March 24, 1882 Dr. Robert Koch, who had just finished investigating the cause of anthrax, which was heavily circulated in livestock at the time were able to isolate the cause tuberculosis known as the TB bacillus.
World TB day, 24 March 2009 is about to celebrate the life and stories of people affected by tuberculosis: men, women and children who have taken TB treatment; Doctors, nurses, scientists, social workers – all who have contributed to the global fight against tuberculosis. In 2006, approximately 9.2 million people were sick of tuberculosis and 1.7 million died of the disease.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial disease. Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily frames lungs. It is transmitted from person to person through droplets from the throat and lungs of people with active respiratory disease.
Key Messages Chosen for TB Day this Year :
1. All world leaders have recognized the urgent need to address the co-epidemic of HIV and tuberculosis. Now countries must take action to get TB services for all people living with HIV and HIV services to all those affected by tuberculosis.
2. Four out of ten people who become ill with tuberculosis fail to get accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. To reach them, public programmes need to form new and innovative partnerships with other groups providing tuberculosis services, like private health care providers and faith-based organizations.
3. Drug-resistant tuberculosis is not being addressed with sufficient speed or commitment. Everyone is at risk – and action is needed now.
4. There are many urgent questions about tuberculosis that can only be answered through scientific investigation. We need more basic research to better understand the complex nature of the tuberculosis bacilli; translational research to turn scientific discoveries into new and better drugs, diagnostics and vaccines; and operational research to make tuberculosis services more accessible and their delivery more efficient. Read More Information Click Here.
