KATHMANDU: As the world observes World Tuberculosis Day today, awareness initiatives are underway globally to shed light on the ongoing battle against tuberculosis (TB).

This significant day commemorates Dr. Robert Koch’s groundbreaking discovery in 1882, wherein he identified the bacterium responsible for TB, paving the way for crucial advancements in diagnosis and treatment.

The theme for World TB Day 2024 is ‘Yes! We can end TB!’, emphasizing the collective efforts required to combat this persistent disease.

Despite advancements in medical science, the National Tuberculosis Control Center reveals a stark reality: 45 percent of TB patients in Nepal lack access to essential treatment.

Last year alone, 37,000 new TB cases were reported, with a staggering 72 percent of these cases affecting the lungs, according to the Center’s data.

In response to this pressing public health issue, the Nepal government has set ambitious targets, aiming to control TB by 2035 and eliminate it entirely by 2050.

Tracing back the history of TB treatment in Nepal, official records indicate that efforts to tackle the disease commenced in 1937.

However, recent data paints a grim picture, revealing that approximately 17,000 individuals succumb to TB annually in Nepal.

The alarming mortality rate underscores the urgent need for intensified efforts in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as increased access to healthcare services for all affected individuals.

As Nepal and the global community continue their fight against TB, World Tuberculosis Day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges and the collective resolve required to eradicate this disease once and for all.