Every year on March 24, World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data, 10.7 to 10.8 million people fell ill with TB, globally in 2023-2024. This has made TB the world's top infectious killers. While many countries have been able to successfully reduce the cases of TB, there has been resurgence of the disease in Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines. While in the United States and in high-income European nations, the infection levels remain low, however, the disease has not been fully eradicated. World Tuberculosis Day 2026: ThemeThis is why, this year's theme is 'Yes! We can end TB!' As per the WHO, this is a bold call to action and a message of hope that affirms that it is possible to get back on track and turn the tide on the TB epidemic, even in a challenging global environment. With decisive country leadership, increased domestic and international investment, rapid uptake of new WHO recommendations and innovations, accelerated action, and strong multisectoral collaboration, ending TB is not just aspirational - it is achievable.World Tuberculosis Day 2026: OriginThe Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that it was on March 24, 1882, when Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the germ that causes tuberculosis (TB). A century later, in 1982, the global health community recognized March 24 as World TB Day. In 1882, the disease killed one in seven people in the US and Europe, however, Koch's discovery was significant in the elimination of TB disease. The CDC also notes that TB germs may have been around as long as 3 million years. During ancient times, TB had several names, for instance, it was called:"Phthisis" in ancient Greek,"Tabes" in ancient Latin, and"Schachepheth" in ancient Hebrew.During the Middle Ages, health care providers referred to active TB disease of the neck and lymph nodes as "scrofula."In the 1700s, people referred to TB disease as "the white plague" due to the pale complexion of people with TB disease.In the 1800s, people called TB disease "consumption." In 1834, Johann Schonlein named the disease "tuberculosis."In 1909, Clemens von Pirquet invented the term "latent TB infection" to refer to inactive TB.World Tuberculosis Day 2026: SignificanceWorld TB Day is held annually on March 24 to raise awareness, mobilize funding, reduce stigma, and accelerate global efforts to end the tuberculosis epidemic. This disease kills thousands daily and is thus a critical call for action on prevention and treatment is important. World Tuberculosis Day: What Is TB?As per a Singapore Government Agency Website called Communicable Disease Agency or CDA, TB is an infectious airborne disease caused by Mycobacteirum tuberculosis.It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of your body, such as the brain, lymph nodes, kidneys, bones, and joints.The disease is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and usually requires close and prolonged contact with an infectious individuals. It cannot spread through touch or kissing. Common Symptoms Of TBPersistent cough (two weeks or more)Persistent feverCoughing blood or sputumNight sweatsWeight lossFatigueLoss of appetiteChest pain