More that 4,100 people lose their lives to tuberculosis (TB) every day.TB is preventable and treatableTB is one of the leading causes of death amongst people living with HIV. 

Durban, South Africa - Even though tuberculosis (TB) is entirely preventable and treatable, more than 4,100 people lose their lives every day to TB and nearly 28,000 more contract the virus. On this World TB Day, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), in addition to urging governments worldwide to increase resources to fight the deadly disease, encourages people everywhere to "Invest in Health: Get tested for HIV & TB!"

Along with being one of the world's most deadly infectious diseases, TB is one of the leading causes of death among people living with HIV, which is why it's so vital that global leaders and individuals alike, with their personal health care, boost investments to fight TB. Increasing resources and actions to battle TB is also especially critical amid another ongoing global health crisis in COVID-19.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has rightfully captured the world's attention over the last two-plus years, but tuberculosis remains a significant threat to people in all countries. It's even more dangerous for people living with HIV since they're 18 times more likely to develop active TB disease than people without HIV," said AHF Director of Global Advocacy & Policy Guillermina Alaniz. "With our World TB Day 2022 theme 'Invest in Health: Get tested for HIV & TB,' we want to send the message loud and clear that the world must do more to preserve the precious gains we've made in recent years fighting TB – and make a much-needed push to end this preventable and treatable disease."

Observed annually on March 24, World TB Day coincides with German physician and bacteriologist Robert Koch's announcement in 1882 of his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The first World TB Day was held one century later when TB incidence was rising worldwide. For commemoration this year, select AHF teams have virtual and in-person "Invest in Health: Get tested for HIV & TB" advocacy events planned!

In South Africa, AHF South Africa advocates participated in an event that was hosted by the eThekwini Municipality with His Worship, the Mayor Councilor Mxolisi Kaunda in attendance with the support of KwaZulu Natal government initiative, Sukuma Sakhe.

“We welcome the support of AHF in this event,” said Mr Hlela, the eThekwini TB District coordinator, “this global organisation with a 20-year history of serving South Africans has made a significant contribution to the fight against HIV and related illnesses.”

The AHF team focused on HIV testing, condom distribution and screening for diabetes and hypertension.