Today is World Tuberculosis Day. The day is observed on 24th March every year to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of Tuberculosis, TB, and to step up efforts to end the global epidemic. The day is observed to commemorate the anniversary of Dr. Robert Koch's discovery of the TB bacteria in 1882.<br />'' <br />''TB remains one of the world's deadliest infectious killers. Each day, nearly 4000 lose their lives to TB and close to 28,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease. Global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 63 million lives since the year 2000. The theme of World TB Day 2021 – 'The Clock is Ticking' 'conveys the sense that the world is running out of time to act on the commitments to end TB made by global leaders. This is especially critical in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that has put End TB progress at risk, and to ensure equitable access to prevention and care in line with WHO's drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.<br />'' <br />''President Ram Nath Kovind in his message has said that Government of India is committed to achieving the goal of Universal Health Coverage as per the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He said, this is being implemented under the aegis of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana which is the largest national insurance scheme in the world.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The President said, the entire National TB Elimination Program was at the forefront in the fight against COVID-19 and their commitment towards tackling the COVID pandemic while continuing with TB elimination efforts is commendable. Mr. Kovind said, on this occasion, we should reinvigorate our efforts to achieve 'Health for All', and create a brighter and healthier future for generations to come</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span><br />

<span style="color: #222222;">Today is World Tuberculosis Day. The day is observed on 24th March every year to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global epidemic. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The theme this year is, 'It's time'. It focusses on the urgency to act on the commitments made by global leaders to scale up access to prevention and treatment of the disease, build accountability and ensure sufficient and sustainable financing including for research among others.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">In his message, President Ram Nath Kovind has urged all stakeholders to come together to achieve a TB free India. He appealed to the people to re-dedicate themselves towards achieving the goal. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Mr Kovind said, consistent with the spirit of this year's theme, India has renewed its commitments and intentions to end TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global targets.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">AIR correspondent reports, World Tuberculosis Day is observed on 24th March every year to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB and to step up efforts to end the global epidemic. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB. Tuberculosis is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">In India, the government has taken many steps in order to tackle the problem of TB by 2025. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">It includes early diagnosis of all patients, and prompt treatment with quality. Newer evidence-based regimens have been introduced to improve the treatment outcomes of drug resistance TB patients. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">In his message, President Ram Nath Kovind has urged all stakeholders to come together to achieve a TB free India. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He said, consistent with the spirit of this year's theme, India has renewed its commitments and intentions to end TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global targets. </span><br />