When is World Tuberculosis Day?
World Tuberculosis Day 2027 is on Wednesday
Wednesday, March 24, 2027
March 24 every year. That's in 171 days.
until World Tuberculosis Day begins, in your time zone
World Tuberculosis Day raises awareness of TB, a preventable and curable infectious disease that remains one of the world's deadliest, and calls for stronger efforts to end the global epidemic.
About World Tuberculosis Day
Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that most often attack the lungs, and it spreads through the air when people with active TB cough, sneeze or spit. WHO describes it as the world's leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, even though it can be prevented and cured. Treatment involves medicines taken daily for several months, so diagnosis, access to care and support to finish treatment are central themes of the day.
The date marks March 24, 1882, when German physician Robert Koch announced in Berlin that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, a breakthrough that opened the way to better diagnosis and treatment. A century later, around the 1982 centenary, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease proposed that the anniversary be marked every year as World TB Day.
Today WHO, the Stop TB Partnership, national health agencies such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and community groups mark the day with a shared message. Recent WHO campaigns have used the slogan "Yes! We can end TB," and the 2025 campaign urged governments to commit, invest and deliver.
Sources: World Health Organization: World Tuberculosis Day, CDC: About World TB Day, The Union: The Union marks World TB Day around the world, World Health Organization: Tuberculosis fact sheet. How we check dates.
How to mark World Tuberculosis Day
- Learn the common symptoms of TB, such as a cough lasting weeks, fever, night sweats and weight loss, and see a doctor if you have them.
- If you've spent time close to someone with TB, ask a health provider whether you should be tested.
- Ask your doctor about TB testing if you work in health care or have lived in or traveled to places where TB is common.
- Support someone on a long course of TB treatment with rides, meals or simple reminders to keep going.
- Share accurate information to counter stigma, starting with the fact that TB is preventable and curable.
World Tuberculosis Day dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Monday, March 24, 2025 |
| 2026 | Tuesday, March 24, 2026 |
| 2027 | Wednesday, March 24, 2027 |
| 2028 | Friday, March 24, 2028 |
| 2029 | Saturday, March 24, 2029 |
| 2030 | Sunday, March 24, 2030 |
| 2031 | Monday, March 24, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is World Tuberculosis Day 2027?
World Tuberculosis Day 2027 is on Wednesday, March 24, 2027. It falls on March 24 every year. In 2028, it is on Friday, March 24, 2028.
Why is World TB Day on March 24?
It marks March 24, 1882, when Robert Koch announced that he had found the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.
Is tuberculosis curable?
Yes. WHO describes TB as preventable and curable; it is treated with medicines taken daily for several months under a health worker's care.
Is World Tuberculosis Day a public holiday?
No. World Tuberculosis Day is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.