CONTACT: Eduardo Calderon, M.D., (251) 318-1355
Claire Payne, (334) 206-9429
Did you know that tuberculosis (TB), an airborne infectious disease, remains one of the leading causes of death in the world? Daily, TB claims approximately 4,100 lives, and close to 27,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease. Global efforts to end TB have saved 79 million lives since 2000. Significant progress has occurred, but to be even more effective, more people need access to effective treatment and new TB infections that were missed during the pandemic need to be identified.
World TB Day is observed annually on March 24 to raise awareness and understanding about TB and its devastating health, social, and economic impact on people around the world.
This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” emphasizes the need for global collaboration, strategic investment, and high-quality care to end TB.
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Division of TB Control incorporates the most recent advances in the understanding of TB to plan effective interventions to control disease transmission. TB services provided include diagnostic, treatment, case management and contact investigation to all persons in Alabama regardless of their ability to pay. ADPH also works to assure the initiation and completion of preventive therapy for those contacts diagnosed with latent TB infection.
With the goal of significantly reducing TB incidence, mortality and sequelae, ADPH conducts TB screening initiatives using updated strategies, implements education for healthcare workers in different areas of the state, and seeks to deliver information to communities most at risk. According to Dr. Eduardo Calderon, Physician Director, “Community engagement is fundamental to mitigate the impact of the disease and eliminate any associated stigma in vulnerable populations.”
Claire Payne, director of the Division of TB Control, ADPH, said, “Our goal is to educate, treat, and eliminate the spread of TB in Alabama.”
On World TB Day, join the Division of TB Control in wearing red to raise awareness about TB.
For more information about TB, visit the ADPH Tuberculosis website or call (334) 206-5330.
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County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.
Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.