The World Tuberculosis-TB Day is being observed today. It provides and opportunity to raise awareness about the burden of this disease and the status of TB prevention and control efforts. This year the theme of this day is- 'Stop TB in my lifetime'. A series of functions are being oraganised by the concerned departments to raise awareness about prevention of the disease.

On this occasion, President Mr Pranab Mukherjee has called upon all the stakeholders to come together for the fight against Tuberculosis-TB and to undertake all necessary steps to achieve the zero TB deaths. Mr Mukherjee in a message said that it is worrisome that India continues to have the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world. He said, one of the greatest challenges facing its control is the detection and management of drug resistant strains of TB. The President also said, India has, and will continue to lead the fight against TB.

Commending the work undertaken under the National TB Programme, Mr Mukherjee said, since 1998, due to the successful implementation of the DOTS strategy, more than 14.2 million people have received treatment across the country.