Nepal Marks World Tuberculosis Day with National Campaign to Eradicate Disease

Kathmandu. World Tuberculosis Day is being observed today with the theme, 'Yes! We will end Tuberculosis: National Campaign, Our Contribution.' This day is observed every year on March 24 with the objective of spreading awareness for tuberculosis control.

The day is being celebrated grandly with various programs, aiming to eradicate tuberculosis from the country by 2035 and make the country TB-free by 2050. The Ministry of Health and Population stated that this year's theme seeks to highlight the importance of a national campaign, shared responsibility, and public participation.

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, at the request of the Ministry of Health and Population, has urged all local levels to celebrate this day grandly with the goal of identifying, diagnosing, and spreading awareness about tuberculosis, which is a major public health problem in Nepal.

According to the World Health Organization, 67,000 new TB patients were identified in Nepal in 2024. Tuberculosis treatment is available at 6,241 health institutions across the country, while designated microscopy services are available free of charge at 785 institutions, and rapid testing services are available free of charge at 142 institutions.

According to the Ministry of Health and Population, 31 centers and 98 sub-centers are operational for drug-resistant treatment. Furthermore, the TB-Free Nepal Campaign has been expanded and activated in 149 local levels. Tuberculosis was historically considered a variety of diseases and infections within human communities since ancient times. According to the World Health Organization, 8 million new TB patients are added worldwide every year.

The Ministry has emphasized that individuals experiencing a continuous cough for three weeks or more, blood in sputum, difficulty breathing or chest heaviness, sudden significant weight loss, excessive sweating, or increased fatigue should visit the nearest health post for testing. The disease can easily infect people with weakened immune systems due to poor physical condition.

According to experts, this disease can be transmitted to those with weak immunity and those who use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. Moreover, the infection can reappear if the full course of tuberculosis medication is not completed.

Tuberculosis is cured by regular medication. Special awareness must be adopted to prevent this disease rather than contracting it. The Ministry of Health and Population has urged local levels to celebrate the day grandly by organizing public awareness campaigns, interactions, and awareness programs to enhance public awareness regarding tuberculosis control, utilizing available resources to the maximum extent.