On March 24, 2025, the world acknowledges World Tuberculosis Day, a reminder of the ongoing fight against this infectious disease that affects millions globally. Though significant advances have been made, tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health concern. In 2023 alone, approximately 10.8 million individuals were diagnosed with TB, resulting in about 1.25 million deaths according to health statistics. The impact of COVID-19 on TB diagnosis and treatment was noted, but global efforts since 2000 have remarkably saved 79 million lives, illustrating both the potential for recovery and the necessity for continued awareness and education.
The conversation surrounding tuberculosis was encapsulated in an interview with Dr. Albina Khamitova, a phthisiatrician and the head of the Sterlitamak branch of the Republican Clinical Phthisiopulmonological Center. She pointed out that tuberculosis knows no boundaries when it comes to demographics; it can affect anyone, regardless of their social status. “Tuberculosis can affect anyone, regardless of wealth or health status,” she explained, highlighting that contrary to popular belief, it is not solely a disease of the underprivileged.
In the Republic of Bashkortostan, the rates of tuberculosis demonstrate the disease's reach. Health officials reported a TB rate of 30.2 per 100,000 residents in 2023, with a slight improvement to 29.2 projected for 2024. Sterlitamak, a city within this region, reported rates of 29.4 in 2023 and an anticipated decrease to 26 in 2024. This data indicates a lingering challenge that health authorities are working to address.
Concerns extend beyond adults; children can also contract TB, often without displaying symptoms. During recent years, the incidence has been particularly alarming among youth. “More than 50% of children in the early stages do not exhibit typical clinical symptoms,” stated Dr. Irina Pavlenok, a leading pediatric phthisiatrician in Novosibirsk. This reality underscores the necessity of early diagnosis, especially as avoidance of routine screenings such as the Mantoux test poses severe risks for the juvenile population.
Between 2023 and 2024, active tuberculosis was diagnosed in 47 children aged 0-14 and 21 adolescents aged 15-17 in the Novosibirsk region. In comparison, the previous year saw even higher figures, with 60 children and 24 adolescents affected. These statistics reflect not only the persistence of TB in communities but also the importance of comprehensive health education that encourages regular screenings.
Dr. Khamitova emphasized that although some cases can be treated, many individuals are not aware that TB often features as an asymptomatic disease in its early stages. “I cannot stress enough the importance of regular fluorography,” she urged. Fluorography, a specialized x-ray procedure, is recommended at least once every two years, particularly for individuals with chronic health issues or high-risk conditions like diabetes.
Transmission of TB occurs primarily through airborne particles expelled during coughing, sneezing, or even speaking by an infected person. “One person with active tuberculosis can infect 10 to 15 individuals within a year,” Dr. Khamitova noted, emphasizing how fast the disease can spread in populations. The bacteria that cause TB are robust; they can survive in aerobic conditions for months and remain viable even in low temperatures.
The call for heightened awareness was echoed not only by physicians but also public health officials. They all agree on the necessity of routine screens in residential areas where infections have been detected. “When a case of tuberculosis is reported in a building, all residents must undergo screenings, including fluorography,” Khamitova stated. Such measures are critical in safeguarding public health.
In response to TB’s persistence, health campaigns—like “Days of Health” and “Being Sick—Don’t Be Sick”—are being organized throughout the region. These initiatives aim to provide critical education and awareness aimed at detection and prevention of socially significant diseases, such as tuberculosis. The Republic of Bashkortostan has achieved remarkable progress in preventive medicine, evaluating more than 1.5 million adults and 849,200 children in 2022 alone through scheduled check-ups and screenings.
As World Tuberculosis Day serves as both a reminder and a call to action, it emphasizes that the stigma associated with TB must be dismantled. Rather than feeling ashamed, individuals are encouraged to seek help and undergo regular screenings. This disease, while serious, can be effectively treated if caught early.
“Being diagnosed with tuberculosis should not lead to shame; irresponsible behavior is what brings stigma,” Dr. Khamitova concluded, urging community members to prioritize their health. The fight against tuberculosis is complex—fueled by public awareness, effective healthcare policies, and ongoing community support.
