Resources for World TB Day 2020

Dear Colleagues:
During this time of worldwide attention to the COVID-19 pandemic, many in the TB community have shifted to emergency response efforts, making this World TB Day unlike any other. We want to acknowledge and thank all of the public health and medical professionals who are on the frontlines responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.  World TB Day is observed annually on March 24 to commemorate Dr. Robert Koch’s announcement of his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes TB – the world’s leading infectious disease killer.   

This year the theme for World TB Day 2020 is “It’s Time.” CDC’s digital World TB Day activities highlight the importance of continuing our commitment to TB elimination.

• Dear Colleague Letter: CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield commemorates World TB Day and describes efforts in the United States and around the world to end TB.
• Media Planet Commentary: CDC Division of Tuberculosis Elimination Director, Dr. Philip LoBue, authored a commentary highlighting the work of CDC and our partners towards TB elimination.
• World TB Day Survivor Video: TB survivors shared their experiences battling TB disease as part of the ongoing TB Personal Stories series.
• 2020 CDC TB Elimination Champions: Learn about this year’s 17 Champions, and their work and dedication to end TB in their communities.
• 2019 U.S. Provisional TB Data: A total of 8,920 TB cases were reported in the United States in 2019 according to preliminary data from the CDC National TB Surveillance System. This is the lowest case count on record and corresponds with a TB rate of 2.7 per 100,000 persons, a rate 1.1% lower than reported in 2018. This success is a result of ongoing, national investment in the U.S. public health system and TB research, prevention and control programs.  Read more in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
• CDC World TB Day Feature: CDC feature co-authored by the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination and the Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis.

Visit the CDC World TB Day website for more information and resources.

Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event and many TB professionals are using their critical skills in response efforts.  CDC’s Division of TB Elimination has information  for TB programs on our TB in Public Health Emergencies webpage.

Thank you for your work and commitment to eliminate TB in the United States.

Philip LoBue, MD, FACP, FCCP Director Division of Tuberculosis Elimination U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nickolas DeLuca, PhD Branch Chief Communications, Education, and Behavioral Studies Branch Division of Tuberculosis Elimination U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention