TB Elimination: Together We Can!

Tuberculosis is one of the world's deadliest diseases: one-third of the world's population is infected with TB; each year, over 9 million people around the world become sick with TB; and each year, there are almost 2 million deaths worldwide. In the United States, TB rates have been declining slowly since 1993. Despite this trend, there remains a disproportionate burden of TB among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. This is due to unequal distribution of TB risk factors that can increase the chance of developing the disease. To learn more about TB risk factors, please visit the TB website.

Together, we can reach the goal of TB elimination through collaboration and by strengthening partnerships. This country's progress in controlling and eventually eliminating TB will only be possible if local, state, national, and international partners from all sectors of our society join resources and collaborate together. Our united effort is needed both 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. CDC's efforts range from developing new treatment regimens and increasing the capacity of health professionals to provide adequate diagnosis and treatment, to issuing new guidelines for improved screening and treatment of TB in U.S.-bound immigrants and refugees.

What Can You Do?

Learn about TB. Since many people are not aware of the impact of TB, local 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.
- World TB Day 2011 — Activities
Promote World TB Day awareness and add a World TB Day button to your website to increase awareness of this important day.

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 of TB and how it can be stopped.

Working Together to Eliminate TB

"Although preventable and treatable, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) together kill more than 5 million people annually. The burden of these diseases can be reduced—but only with increased governmental and nongovernmental resources, effective public-private partnerships, and strengthened disease-specific and general health systems."

Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Administrator, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry