March 24th has been declared World TB Day by the Henry and Stark County Health Departments alongside First Choice Healthcare. The event highlights the continuing threat of tuberculosis, one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Each day, TB claims more than 4,100 lives globally, with nearly 28,000 new cases reported daily. This year’s theme, “Yes, We Can End TB!” urges swift action and investment to reverse setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic. Community members are encouraged to get tested. TB testing is available at all First Choice Healthcare Clinic locations.
RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion states, “Too many people in our country and around the world still suffer from TB. Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers. Each day, over 4100 people 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 66 million lives since the year 2000. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed years of progress made in the fight to end TB. For the first time in over a decade, TB deaths increased in 2020.”
Tucker adds, “Until TB is eliminated, World TB Day won’t be a celebration. But it is a valuable opportunity to educate the public about the devastation TB can spread and how it can be stopped.”
For appointments, call Kewanee at 309-852-5272 or Toulon at 309-852-3115.