DPH OBSERVES WORLD TUBERCULOSIS (TB) DAY ON MARCH 24

DOVER, DE (Mar. 21, 2024) - The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will join health organizations and advocates around the globe to recognize World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on Sunday, March 24. This day commemorates Dr. Robert Koch's groundbreaking discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is used to raise awareness and increase education about the threat of TB.

DPH's Tuberculosis Elimination and Control Branch (TECB) extends its deepest appreciation to the health care community and TB clinics across Delaware for their unwavering dedication to combating TB in our state and collectively working to provide the best services available to our communities.

"TB is a preventable and curable disease, but it remains a major public health challenge," said TECB Program Manager Tara Jenkins. "In 2022 alone, an estimated 1.3 million people worldwide died from TB, largely due to inadequate access to testing and treatment. It is important that we prioritize our efforts in detecting and fully treating TB cases, as well as implementing preventive measures such as good infection control practices when a case is identified and early treatment of asymptomatic TB infection to prevent progression to full TB disease."

The Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (OIDE) is ready to assist with information pertaining to TB infection (TBI) or TB disease. OIDE can facilitate access to DPH TB clinics, with one located in each county. These clinics offer comprehensive care for both TBI and TB disease, including screening, diagnosis and treatment services, often at minimal to no cost.

Identifying suspected and confirmed cases of TB disease swiftly is pivotal in stopping its spread. Additionally, connecting individuals with TBI, also referred to as latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), to appropriate treatment is paramount in preventing the progression of TB disease. Without intervention, approximately one in 10 individuals with latent TB infection will develop active TB disease in the future. DPH is committed to ensuring strong collaboration between healthcare providers and all public health authorities in the continued pursuit of eliminating TB.

"DPH remains committed to its ongoing efforts to combat TB," said DPH Medical Director Dr. Awele Maduka-Ezeh. "Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by TB and create a healthier and safer future for all."

To learn more, visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/tbelimination.html.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

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