The New Jersey Department of Health recognized World TB Day on March 24 to raise awareness about tuberculosis and its impact both in the state and worldwide.
World TB Day is observed each year to highlight the ongoing challenge of tuberculosis, a curable disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The department said that TB is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. While it usually affects the lungs, it can also target other organs such as the brain, kidneys, or spine. Symptoms include a persistent cough—sometimes with blood—chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
This year’s theme for World TB Day is “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by countries, Powered by people.” The Stop TB Partnership announced this theme to emphasize local action and leadership in ending the epidemic.
Health Commissioner Raynard E. Washington said: “Each year, we see several hundred cases of TB in New Jersey – a reminder that this disease is still present and demands our continued attention. At the same time, these numbers reflect the impact of sustained prevention and control efforts, along with the strong partnership between our state and local health departments. We can eliminate TB within our lifetime – and today, we recommit to that public health goal.”
The department noted that individuals with weakened immune systems—including babies and children as well as those living with HIV or diabetes—are at higher risk for developing active tuberculosis if exposed. While rates remain low nationally compared to global figures—with an estimated 10.7 to 10.8 million people falling ill globally last year according to the World Health Organization—the disease continues to have significant health and economic effects worldwide.
In New Jersey specifically, there were 342 new cases reported in 2024—a decline of over sixty-five percent since a peak in 1992—and preliminary data from 2025 shows a slight increase to 360 cases statewide.
To support prevention efforts locally, NJDOH provides surveillance activities along with financial assistance totaling $3.9 million last year for regional specialty clinics across six counties: Bergen, Camden, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex,and Morris. These clinics offer evaluation,treatment,and epidemiological services for all residents.In addition,the Global Tuberculosis Institute at Rutgers University offers advanced treatment,research,and training supported by federal funding from CDC.
March 24 was chosen for World TB Day because it marks Dr.Robert Koch’s discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in1882.
