World Tuberculosis Day, March 24th 2008

World Tuberculosis day is on March 24th. Each year, this day is celebrated to raise awareness about the threat presented by tuberculosis around the world. Many people believe that Tuberculosis is a disease of past and there is no threat for us today.

The reason for this belief is in United States, the TB occurrence is declining. However, Tuberculosis is one of the deadliest diseases in the world. Although, tuberculosis can be treated with medications and proper medical care, it still takes life of 2 million people approximately every year.

World Tuberculosis day 2008 is about celebrating the lives and stories of people affected by TB: men, women and children who have taken tuberculosis treatment; doctors, researchers, nurses; community workers – any one who helped towards the global fight against tuberculosis.

While it is a disease associated with poverty, close living and working conditions, anyone can contract tuberculosis, whether male or female, rich or poor, young or old. Once the person is affected with TB, it places burden not only on that person, but also on family, friends, community and society.

Tuberculosis is a leading killer among HIV infected people with weakened immune systems. Yet, tuberculosis is curable and preventable if it is recognized and effectively treated. TB can be treated with antibiotics, but drug-resistant strains have emerged in past years for the treatment of TB.

On this world TB day, put your efforts to fight against this disease for eradicating this epidemic.

Check these resources to get detailed information on Tuberculosis:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/

http://www.medicinenet.com/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/