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Tuberculosis

World TB Day 2010
TB Elimination: Together We Can!

World TB Day, March 24 - Together we can! World TB Day is March 24. This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB).

World TB Day provides an opportunity to communicate TB-related problems and solutions and to support worldwide TB-control efforts. CDC and our partners are committed to eliminating TB in the United States.

In the United States, the theme for World TB Day 2010 is “TB elimination: Together We Can!”

Eliminating TB: Together We Can!

We can reach the goal of TB elimination by working together and strengthening partnerships. This country’s progress in controlling TB will only be sustainable if local, state, national, and international partners from all sectors of our society join resources and collaborate together. Our united effort is needed to reach those at highest risk for TB, and to identify and implement innovative strategies to improve testing and treatment among high-risk populations.

Stop TB USA logo CDC and its domestic and international partners, including the National TB Controllers Association, Stop TB USA, and the global Stop TB Partnership, are taking many steps to prevent further spread of TB and to reduce the overall burden of the disease. Efforts range from developing new treatment regimens and increasing the capacity of health professionals to provide adequate treatment, to issuing new recommendations for improved testing and treatment for U.S. immigrants.

Working Together to Eliminate TB

"Although preventable and treatable, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) together kill more than 5 million people annually. The burden of these diseases can be reduced—but only with increased governmental and nongovernmental resources, effective public-private partnerships, and strengthened disease-specific and general health systems."

(Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Administrator, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry)

How You Can Become a Partner

Find out more about TB services in your area.
Educate your community about TB.
Ensure that efforts to eliminate TB continue.

Because many people are not aware of the impact of TB, local coalitions in many states and countries are convening educational and awareness activities related to World TB Day. Look to see how you can learn more and get involved.