It's World TB Day 2026!

What is World TB Day and why is it on March 24th?

On March 24th, 1882, Dr. Robert Koch discovered Mycobacterium Tuberculosis - the specific bacteria that causes Tuberculosis (TB). The goal of this day is to increase awareness of this disease and fight for better funding and access to treatment.

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What is TB?

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that primarily damages the lungs but can also affect the kidney, spine and brain. It's an airborne disease that is spread through tiny droplets released whenever a TB positive individual coughs, sneezes, etc.

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How widespread is TB?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 10.7 million people were infected with TB in 2024, with 1.23 million succumbing to the disease in the same year.

In places like the United States, the prevalence of TB seems like a distant memory, but TB still plagues numerous countries around the world. Given its mode of transmission, TB thrives in communities where poverty and overcrowding are already common. Those who are already immunocompromised, like people with HIV, are also more likely to be infected.

Haiti has a high incidence rate of TB, at 149 cases per 100,000 people (2023 CDC data).

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What is the treatment for TB?

TB is treated with a series of antibiotics (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide) over the course of several months. If a TB-infected individual does not complete the full course of antibiotics, they are more likely to develop drug-resistant TB, which is incredibly challenging to treat.

Many countries also offer a vaccination for TB (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine), which can prevent children from getting severe forms of TB.

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How has Grace Children's Hospital helped fight TB?

Grace Children's Hospital has a long history of treating TB. It was one of Haiti's first pediatric hospitals dedicated to fighting TB in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP). In 1982, GCH was awarded a designation of "National Public Utility" by the Haitian health authorities for its work in ensuring that Haitians had access to the TB vaccine.

In 2016, GCH was selected to provide outpatient care as one of the centers for "Outpatient Management of Resistant TB." GCH is one of the first organizations in Haiti to provide total outpatient care for patients with drug-resistant TB.

In addition to screening for and treating TB, GCH is active in the ongoing prevention of infection. The hospital's active immunization program for infants and children vaccinates almost 1,000 children every month. For children, TB can become very severe and cause meningitis, bone infections, and other diseases. Vaccinating children is a critical step in preventing them from contracting TB and potentially dying from TB-related complications. In countries like Haiti, where there are high incidence rates of TB, vaccination is essential. In countries like the U.S., where there are low incidence rates of TB, this vaccination is no longer considered necessary.

Why is this important? Why should we care about TB?

Fighting TB aligns with the mission of Grace Children's Hospital in ensuring that the children of Haiti have access to a brighter and healthier future. According to the World Health Organization, every dollar invested in fighting TB could generate up to $43 in economic and health returns. Providing easy access to TB diagnosis and treatment is a significant step in building stronger, healthier communities and countries.

The theme of World TB Day 2026 is "Yes! We Can End TB" (see logo below). This is a call to action for healthcare professionals, governments, and donors around the world. With the right access to diagnosis and treatment, incidence rates of TB can drop in every country, not just the United States. Every child can then dream of a TB-free future!

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Grace Children's Hospital plays a vital role in providing consistent TB diagnosis and care for children and families in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. As many hospitals in the city have closed, GCH is likely one of the last facilities providing TB treatment. Your donations ensure that the hospital can remain open and operating.

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On World TB Day, please consider donating to keep our doors open. Save a child's life and make sure they get the TB treatment that they need. Donate today!

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