Photo : BSS

KHULNA, March 24, 2025 (BSS) - Tuberculosis (TB) is no longer a fatal disease and is entirely curable. Experts emphasize that there is no need to fear a TB diagnosis, as regular medication ensures full recovery.

This observation was made during a discussion meeting held today at the city's CSS Ava Center in observance of World Tuberculosis Day.

This year's theme for the day is "Commitment, Investment, and Service Delivery for a Tuberculosis-Free Bangladesh."

Dr. Md. Monzurul Murshid, Director of the Health Department of Khulna Division, attended the event as the chief guest, while Dr. Majfuza Khatun, Civil Surgeon of Khulna, presided over the meeting.

Special guests included Dr. Md. Abu Shaheen, Director of Khulna Specialized Hospital; Dr. Md. Mohsin Ali Farazi, Director of Khulna Medical College Hospital; Md. Mujibur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Divisional Health Department; TB Specialist Dr. Md. Anwarul Azad; Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam Gazi, Superintendent of Sadar Hospital; and Md. Asaduzzaman, Divisional Manager of BRAC.

Speakers stressed the need to increase public awareness to eliminate tuberculosis, as Bangladesh aims to eradicate TB by 2035.

Currently, over 3 million people in the country are diagnosed with TB, with an additional 17 percent remaining undetected each year. Experts highlighted the urgency of identifying all affected individuals to achieve complete eradication.

At present, 100 percent of detected TB patients are receiving treatment. Bangladesh ranks seventh among the 30 most TB-prone countries, underscoring the need for continued vigilance in prevention and treatment efforts.

According to the National Tuberculosis Control Program, more than 3 million individuals with TB symptoms were tested, leading to the identification of 3,13,624 TB patients in 2024. 

Of them, 85,608 cases were detected in Dhaka Division, 60,309 in Chattogram, 35,819 in Rajshahi, 34,833 in Rangpur, 34,014 in Khulna, 19,600 in Barishal, 22,022 in Sylhet, and 21,419 in Mymensingh Division.

Earlier, a colorful rally was brought out in front of the CSS Ava Center to mark the World Tuberculosis Day. 

Government officials, health department personnel, representatives from the Khulna City Corporation (KCC), and representatives of different NGOs joined the rally.