⁠World Tuberculosis Day 2025: Date, Theme, History, Significance And More

World Tuberculosis Day, observed annually on March 24, serves as a reminder of the urgent need to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) — which the World Health Organization (WHO) calls "the world’s deadliest infectious disease."

World TB Day underscores the importance of early diagnosis, timely treatment and preventive measures. By strengthening global efforts and improving access to healthcare, we can move closer to eliminating TB and saving millions of lives.

Each year, World Tuberculosis Day adopts a unique theme to emphasise different aspects of TB awareness and eradication. The theme for 2025 is "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver." WHO says the theme is a "call for hope, urgency and accountability."

Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease caused by the mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, primarily affecting the lungs. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales droplets. Inhaling just a few bacteria can lead to infection.

TB is both preventable and curable, yet it remains a major global health challenge. 

While TB exists worldwide, it is most prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. According to WHO, nearly half of all TB cases occur in just eight nations — Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and South Africa.

An estimated one-quarter of the global population carries TB bacteria, but most do not develop the disease. Only those who become actively ill can spread it. The lifetime risk of developing TB for an infected person is 5% to 10%, but the risk is significantly higher for those with weakened immune systems, including people with HIV, malnutrition, diabetes or tobacco use.

World Tuberculosis Day marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch discovered the tuberculosis bacterium. His research paved the way for diagnosing and treating TB. The WHO and partner organisations officially designated this day to spread awareness and mobilise global efforts against TB.

According to WHO, global efforts to combat TB since 2000 have saved an estimated 79 million lives. However, TB remains a serious public health threat. WHO said in 2023 alone, 10.8 million people fell ill with the disease, and 1.25 million lives were lost.

World Tuberculosis Day serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing global fight against TB and the urgent need to eliminate it. The day raises awareness about the severe health, social and economic impact of the disease. It also highlights the gaps in diagnosis, treatment and care, urging global action to bridge these disparities.

World Tuberculosis Day 2025 is a reminder that the disease is preventable and curable.