Kathmandu: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is being marked today in Nepal and across the globe through a variety of awareness programs and events. Each year, March 24 is observed as World TB Day to highlight the urgency of ending tuberculosis, one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, which continues to cause devastating health, social, and economic impacts.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this year’s theme is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”. The theme calls for stronger commitment at local, national, and international levels to accelerate efforts to eliminate TB, especially in the face of rising drug-resistant TB and declining international funding amid the current geopolitical climate. These challenges pose a threat to the achievement of global targets to end TB by 2030.

Tuberculosis is a contagious airborne disease caused primarily by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, most often affecting the lungs. It spreads through the air when people with active lung TB cough, sneeze, or spit. According to the WHO, inhaling just a few germs can be enough to contract the infection.

In Nepal, the National TB Control Center is observing the day with various public awareness initiatives. Despite ongoing efforts, tuberculosis remains a serious public health issue in the country. In 2023, Nepal reported an estimated 68,000 new TB cases, with an incidence rate of 229 per 100,000 population, according to WHO data. The mortality rate from TB in Nepal stood at 54 per 100,000 population.

During the year, the National Tuberculosis Program registered 40,776 TB patients for treatment, of which 39 percent were women and 61 percent were men. Additionally, 756 people were diagnosed with drug-resistant TB, according to Dr. Shriram Tiwari, Director of the National TB Control Center.

Dr. Tiwari noted that tuberculosis imposes a significant financial burden on patients and their families. The National Tuberculosis Patient Data Survey 2024 revealed that 51 percent of TB patients and their families in Nepal have suffered severe financial hardship due to the disease.

A statement from Dr. Tiwari emphasized the need for multi-sector collaboration to make meaningful progress in ending TB. “We cannot eliminate TB through the health sector alone. We need strong involvement from sectors such as education, labor and employment, and social security. The role of the private sector and the community is equally important,” he said.

Currently, free TB treatment services are available at 6,241 health institutions across Nepal. Diagnostic services are offered at 800 health institutions, and rapid testing is available at 117 institutions in 67 districts.

Dr. Tiwari reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to ending the TB epidemic by 2030 and achieving a tuberculosis-free Nepal by 2050.