World TB Day
Partnerships for TB Elimination
2009
World
TB Day is March 24. This annual event commemorates the date in
1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of M.
tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause 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 2009 is
“Partnerships for TB Elimination.”
Building Partnerships for TB Elimination: Now is the time!
Now
is the time to take action, beyond our current efforts, that
will ensure that we reach the goal of TB elimination.
Building and strengthening partnerships is one of those
actions. This country’s progress in controlling TB will not
be sustainable without strengthened collaborations with
local, state, national, and international partners from all
sectors of our society. This action must be taken in order
to reach those at highest risk for TB, and to identify and
implement innovative strategies to improve testing and
treatment among high-risk populations.
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.
TB Partnership Benefits
“Just as TB knows few boundaries, we must not be constrained
in reaching across organizational, cultural, and other
boundaries to work with others who are affected by TB. All
partners are valuable partners, no matter how small their
contributions, because it is only the accumulation of many
efforts in many places that will end this ancient scourge.”
(Director, national advocacy organization for the
homeless)
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 TB
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.
Additional Information
Last Modified: 01/16/2009
Last Reviewed: 05/18/2008 Content Source: Division of Tuberculosis Elimination
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
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