World Tuberculosis Day 2026 brings aims to bring more education to Britons

March 24th celebrates 144 years since Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis (TB), opening the doors to faster diagnosis and cures for the epidemic.

While TB is entirely preventable and curable, the World Health Organisation estimates that 1.23 million people died from the disease in 2024.

Jenner Institute world map showing TB cases per 100,000 in 2013

TB is considered one of the world’s oldest and  deadliest diseases, with it still being the biggest killer of the infectious diseases’ family, surpassing Covid-19 in 2023. The West Midlands is one of the main areas of concern when it comes to TB in the UK, with it being the second highest region with the disease behind London. In 2024, the region had the largest increase in cases in the country, jumping from 538 cases in 2023 to 709 in 2024.

The disease is still particularly prominent in lower income countries, with Southeast Asia and Africa having the greatest number of new cases annually. Dr Promise Owai, global healthcare expert and student governor at Coventry University Student Union, said that ‘‘Tuberculosis is linked deeply to poverty, overcrowding, poor living conditions and malnutrition.’’ Dr Owai also emphasised the need for more education around the disease, especially in the UK, saying that ‘‘it is not a disease of the past. TB has not been fully eradicated; we still have cases that occur even in urban areas’’.

Coventry is unfortunately one of the urban areas to be affected, with an outbreak in the city’s Amazon warehouse. 10 of the employees tested positive in January 2026. Coventry City Council addressed the outbreak by reassuring locals and asking anyone with symptoms to see a GP immediately.

“If you have a cough that won’t go away or other TB symptoms, go and see your doctor and ask to be tested for TB. Early diagnosis means there is less chance of long-term damage to your body, makes it easier to treat and reduces the risk of other people catching TB from you.”

With International TB Day reminding us that the epidemic is still affecting the world, students need to be aware of the symptoms and that they could be TB.

UK GOV ‘Know your TB Symptoms’

The UK Government say that symptoms may include

·       a cough that does not get better

·       been coughing up mucus (phlegm) with blood in it

·       a fever or night sweats

·       no appetite or weight loss

·       extreme tiredness