Every year, on March 24, the world commemorates World Tuberculosis Day to strengthen the commitment to end tuberculosis, which is one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, including in Indonesia.
So what is the theme, purpose and meaning of World Tuberculosis Day 2025, the following is the result of a conversation with Prof. Maksum Radji, Professor of Pharmacy Study Program at FIKES Esa Unggul, Jakarta.
Starting this conversation, Prof. Maksum explained that March 24 was chosen as World Tuberculosis Day, because it coincided with the time when Dr. Robert Koch, a German doctor and scientist, announced the discovery of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria as the cause of tuberculosis (TB) disease on March 24, 1882. The commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day symbolizes the global commitment to overcome this deadly disease.
The World Tuberculosis Day commemoration initiated by WHO, not only reminds us of the important history of Dr. Koch’s discovery, but also invites all levels of society to raise awareness about the dangers of tuberculosis and support innovative efforts in its diagnosis and treatment.
However, according to Prof. Maksum, the long journey to overcome the eradication of tuberculosis disease, although it has paved the way for progress in the health sector, but the global health world is still faced with severe challenges, including cases of tuberculosis bacteria that are resistant to various types of anti-tuberculosis drugs, inequality in access to treatment, and social stigma that still often hinders the control of this disease.
“Tuberculosis continues to infect millions of people worldwide, causing severe health, social and economic consequences. WHO’s 2024 Global Tuberculosis Report reveals that tuberculosis may have returned to being the world’s leading infectious disease killer. The world of health faces severe challenges, underfunding, enormous financial burden on communities affected by tuberculosis disease, climate change, conflict, migration, displacement, pandemics, and especially the urgent need to address drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis bacteria, leading to multiple antimicrobial resistance that is difficult to cure”, he added.
Raising Awareness to End Tuberculosis
Prof. Maksum explained that the theme of World Tuberculosis Day 2025 emphasizes the need for a sustainable commitment to end tuberculosis. Reporting from the page https://www.stoptb.org/news/world-tb-day-2025-theme- announcement theme set by WHO is: “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”.
The meaning of this theme is to invite all communities and stakeholders to work together to end tuberculosis. By committing, investing, the world will successfully tackle and overcome the tuberculosis epidemic.
“By committing to action, investing resources strategically, and delivering high-quality care and prevention, we can fight and end tuberculosis together,” he added.
World Tuberculosis Day and Sustainable Development Goals
Prof. Maksum explained that based on the latest report at the end of 2024, WHO recorded a total of 10.8 million global tuberculosis cases. There was an increase compared to previous years.
Globally in 2023, 175,923 people were diagnosed and treated for multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB). This represents 44% of the estimated 400,000 people with rifampicin-resistant or multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB). Dealing with the multi-drug resistant tuberculosis epidemic requires a collaborative approach, where commitment and partnership between the government, health organizations, communities and the private sector are critical factors in the fight against tuberculosis.
“This commitment and collaborative approach is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goals-3 (SDG-3), namely Good Health and Well-being. World Tuberculosis Day advocates for efforts to end the tuberculosis epidemic by 2030. This initiative supports the health and well-being of millions of people around the world, contributing to the achievement of the broader SDGs. However, will the goal of eliminating the tuberculosis epidemic by 2030, which is less than 6 years away, be achieved? The answer will depend on the commitment and sincerity of our efforts to realize a tuberculosis-free world in the future,” he explained.
Tuberculosis in Indonesia
By launching the page https://www.tbindonesia.or.id/semarakan-hari-tbc sedunia- 2025 Prof. Maxum said that based on the latest report from the World Health Organization (WHO), Global TB Report 2024, Indonesia still ranks second as the country with the most tuberculosis cases in the world for the last 3 years. By referring to the global theme of World Tuberculosis Day 2025, the Indonesian Ministry of Health determined that the national theme for the commemoration of Tuberculosis Day 2025 is GIATKAN (Indonesian Movement to End Tuberculosis with Commitment and Real Action).
The sub-themes for the commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day 2025 in Indonesia are, (1) Indonesian Movement to End Tuberculosis with Joint Commitment, (2) Indonesian Movement to End Tuberculosis with Sustainable Investment, and (3) Indonesian Movement to End Tuberculosis with Real Action.
In Indonesia, there are an estimated 1,090,000 cases of tuberculosis and 125,000 deaths every year, which means there are about 14 deaths every hour.
In 2024, there will be around 885 thousand cases of tuberculosis, with a distribution of 496 thousand cases occurring in men, 359 thousand in women, and 135 thousand cases in children aged 0-14 years. This data confirms the importance of increasing efforts to prevent and treat tuberculosis in all regions of Indonesia, by strengthening program management through a more integrated health system.
We Can Stop Tuberculosis
Prof. Maksum said that through increased awareness, early diagnosis, effective treatment, and collaborative global efforts, tuberculosis can be eradicated. The world can achieve the goal of a tuberculosis-free future through collective and collaborative action. However, while medical advancements and public health initiatives are critical, individual actions and healthy lifestyle habits significantly impact our overall well-being and our body’s ability to ward off tuberculosis disease.
Some important efforts to prevent tuberculosis include the vaccination program with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine. BCG vaccine is the main vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis and is effective in preventing severe tuberculosis in children. Vaccination programs play an important role in reducing the burden of tuberculosis worldwide.
In addition, early diagnosis is one of the most important steps in the prevention of tuberculosis. Early detection can help reduce transmission rates and ensure that those affected receive the necessary treatment before the disease becomes contagious. Without early detection and prompt intervention, tuberculosis can spread in the community and cause severe health complications. Early diagnosis also increases the chances of successful treatment and minimizes the risk of developing anti-tuberculosis drug-resistant strains of bacteria.
Spread awareness about tuberculosis
In addition to the above efforts, Prof. Maksum also said that educating the public about tuberculosis, its symptoms, and treatment options, as well as preventive measures is a recommended way to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day. In order to effectively combat tuberculosis, it is important to adopt strategies that minimize exposure to bacteria and strengthen the body’s defenses against infection.
“Besides ensuring early detection, providing timely care and treatment is key to controlling tuberculosis, and focusing on improving public health infrastructure, we can reduce the burden of tuberculosis. With proper information dissemination and intensive health campaigns, it is hoped that the incidence and mortality rates, as well as the burden of tuberculosis can be significantly reduced, thus creating a healthier future for all Indonesians,” he concluded.
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Rector of Esa Unggul University’s Response to World Tuberculosis Day 2025
The Rector of Esa Unggul University, Dr. Ir. Arief Kusuma A.P., ST, MBA, IPU, ASEAN Eng, expressed his support for the commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day 2025 which carries the theme “United to End the Tuberculosis Epidemic.”
“Tuberculosis is still one of the major health problems in the world, including in Indonesia. To end this epidemic, a joint effort is needed from all elements of society, including academics, health workers, government, and communities,” said Dr. Arief Kusuma.
He emphasized that Esa Unggul University as a higher education institution has the responsibility to support TB prevention and control efforts through education, research, and community service. “We are committed to continue to raise awareness of the dangers of TB and encourage innovation in the health sector to help eliminate this disease,” he added.
Furthermore, Dr. Arief Kusuma invited students, lecturers, and education personnel to play an active role in various public health initiatives. “With the right education, access to adequate health services, and synergy between various parties, we can achieve the TB elimination target and create a healthier Indonesia,” he concluded.
Universitas Esa Unggul Merupakan World Class University
Esa Unggul University is a leading private university and one of the best private universities in Indonesia which has a VISION, which is to become a world-class university based on intellectuality, creativity and entrepreneurship that excels in the quality of management (process) and results (output) of Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi activities. And has MISSION: Organizing quality and relevant education, creating a conducive academic atmosphere, creating leaders with character and high competitiveness.
Esa Unggul University is accredited superior based on BAN PT Decree: 2041/SK/BAN-PT/Ak/PT/XI/2024. Esa Unggul University is also ranked :
14 Best Private Universities in Jakarta
43 Best PTS in Indonesia
86 Best National PTN & PTS (based on Webometrics).
With the support of Arizona State University (ASU), Cintana Alliance supports UEU in realizing its vision to become an international standard university, as well as providing quality education for students throughout Indonesia.
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