Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia marks World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, observed annually on March 24, under this year’s theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” to raise awareness about the disease, its prevention, and mitigation, while promoting treatment access, reducing incidence rates, and highlighting the health, social, and economic impact of TB.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the Ministry of Health, on its website, emphasizes that TB remains a leading infectious killer globally, citing 1.5 million deaths and 9.9 million infections in 2020. Despite global efforts that have saved 66 million lives since 2000, over 4,100 people still die every day from TB.

The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa) is also observing World TB Day with activities focused on bovine tuberculosis, a zoonotic disease prioritized in the Kingdom. Weqaa is conducting workshops and seminars for livestock owners and public health professionals, providing information on disease recognition, prevention, and control.