DHAKA, March 24, 2019 (BSS) – The World Tuberculosis (TB) Day-2019 was observed in the country today like elsewhere in the globe through various programmes with a call for creating awareness against the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB disease.
This year, the day was observed with the theme “It’s time to pledge for building Tuberculosis-Free Bangladesh”.
World TB Day is observed every year on March 24 to create awareness and support world-wide efforts to eliminate tuberculosis.
This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes TB.
Marking the Day, National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) of Directorate General and Health Service (DGHS), along with private organization BRAC brought out a procession from the city’s Shahbag area.
National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) and ASP Project Line Director Professor Dr Samiul Islam Sadi inaugurated the procession. Parading main streets of the city it ended at Doyel Chattar.
Later, a discussion was held at the InterContinental Hotels in the city. State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Md Murad Hasan was present at the discussion.
The day was also observed in the port city Chattogram. Marking the day, a procession was brought out from Civil Surgeon office premises. After parading main streets of the city, the procession ended at Theater Institute following a discussion there.
Chattogram Divisional Director (health) Dr Md Abul Kashem inaugurated procession while Civil Surgeon and Deputy Director Dr Mohammad Azizur Rahman Siddiqui presided over the discussion.
According to the NTP data, a total of 2,67,276 tuberculosis patients were detected in 2018 across the country which is being treated under government facilities.
Of them, 11,352 TB children have been detected under the age of 15 years.
Currently, Tuberculosis control activities are underway in the country through 200 genetic experts’ machines and additional 76 machines will be added to this end to eliminate the disease.