March 24Health

World Tuberculosis Day

Name: World Tuberculosis Day
Start: 2027-03-24
End: 2027-03-24

TB killed 1.3 million people last year — and we have the tools to stop it.

About

World Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24 to raise awareness of tuberculosis — the world's leading infectious disease killer after COVID-19. TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily attacks the lungs, and spreads through the air when infected people cough or sneeze. Despite being curable and preventable, TB killed around 1.3 million people in 2022. The disease disproportionately affects people in low- and middle-income countries, those living in overcrowded conditions, people with HIV, and communities with poor access to healthcare. Drug-resistant TB strains are a growing global health threat, making treatment more complex and expensive. World TB Day is an urgent call to governments, health organisations, and the public to fund research, ensure equitable access to diagnostics and treatment, and support the communities most burdened by the disease. The WHO's End TB Strategy aims to reduce deaths by 95% by 2035, but current progress is well behind target.

History

March 24 marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis — the bacterium that causes TB. This discovery was a landmark in medical history, making TB diagnosable and eventually treatable. World TB Day has been observed on this date since 1982, on the centenary of Koch's announcement.

Where It's Observed

Global — WHO initiative

Cultural Context

US United States

TB rates in the US are low compared to global averages, but the disease persists in marginalised communities — unhoused populations, recent immigrants, and people in correctional facilities. World TB Day drives advocacy for better surveillance and community health programmes.

KR South Korea

South Korea has one of the highest TB rates among OECD countries, a legacy of the post-war period when the disease spread widely. Despite significant progress, TB remains a public health priority, and World TB Day is marked with testing campaigns and policy advocacy.

JP Japan

Japan has significantly reduced TB rates over decades but continues to see cases in urban centres, particularly among elderly populations and recent immigrants. World TB Day spurs health authority communications and reminds the public that TB has not been eradicated.

How to Participate

01Learn the symptoms of TB — persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss — and share them
02Donate to organisations funding TB research or treatment access in high-burden countries
03Advocate for increased government funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria
04If you are a healthcare worker, ensure TB screening protocols in your practice are up to date

Frequently asked questions

When is World Tuberculosis Day?+

World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on March 24. The date is fixed each year — March 24 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.

What is World Tuberculosis Day?+

Is World Tuberculosis Day a public holiday?+

World Tuberculosis Day is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.

How can I participate in World Tuberculosis Day?+

Learn the symptoms of TB — persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss — and share them Donate to organisations funding TB research or treatment access in high-burden countries Advocate for increased government funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.

Which countries observe World Tuberculosis Day?+

Global — WHO initiative.