World Tuberculosis Day

• World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is celebrated on March 24 annually to spread awareness around the deadly disease.

ABOUT WORLD TB DAY

• It is celebrated to raise awareness around the disease, increase efforts to eradicate the disease, and mobilise support for those affected by TB.
• March 24, 1882 is considered a significant date in the battle against tuberculosis as it is on this day that Dr Robert Koch discovered the bacteria that causes TB.
• This groundbreaking announcement led to better understanding, diagnosis, and eventual treatment of the disease.
• It was not before the year 1982, on the centenary of Koch’s discovery that the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) proposed observing March 24 as World TB Day to raise awareness about TB and its global impact.
• The first World TB Day was officially observed in 1983, and since then, it has become an annual event.
• Theme of World Tuberculosis day 2024: “Yes! We can end TB”.

ABOUT NIKSHAY POSHAN YOJNA (NPY)

• The NPY was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• It aims to support every Tuberculosis (TB) Patient by providing a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of Rs 500 per month for nutritional needs.