By Sebastian Kanally, Times Chronicle
On March 24, Oliver Municipal Hall will glow red in recognition of one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases: Tuberculosis (TB).
Oliver council decided at their Feb. 24 meeting to proclaim the day as World Tuberculosis Day.
The day is recognized around the world annually to raise awareness about the devastating health, social and economic impact of TB. The campaign also works to increase efforts to end the global TB epidemic.
TB remains a deadly infectious disease with millions of new cases that are reported each year. In 2023, there were 10.8 million cases of the disease worldwide and 1.25 million reported deaths according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
These cases disproportionately affect vulnerable populations including low-income communities and individuals with weakened immune systems, experiencing poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate health care access.
Mar. 24 marks the day that Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of the bacterium that causes TB in 1882.
Early detection, increased awareness, proper treatment and cooperation in the global fight are critical in the pursuit of achieving a TB-free world.
Red is recognized as the symbol of TB awareness, bringing to mind the urgent need for action, advocacy, and continued research to eliminate the disease worldwide.
The WHO says that 79 million lives have been saved since 2000 by global efforts to end TB.
To find out more about the World TB Day campaign visit the World Health Organization tuberculosis page.
